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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. Copyright No. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS 



Eighty 
Pleasant Evenings 



Compiled by 
The Press Committee of Deems Memorial Chris- 
tian Endeavor Society of Immanuel Church 

Lilian M. Heath, Chairman 
Florence M. Kingsley 
Belle H. Miller 
Ella C. Doremus 
Ella A. Boole, A.M. 




United Society of Christian Endeavor 
Boston and Chicago 




^^ 







140/1 



Copyright^ i8g8y 
By United Society of Christian Endeavor 




TWO COPIES RECtTvED. 



Colonial 
Electrotyped and Printed by 
C. H, Simonds dr* Co. 
Boston, U. S. A. 




2n 



V"^^n> 



189t?. 



PREFACE. 



« I WONDER why she did it," said the flower, reflec- 
tively. It spoke aloud without knowing it. The gar- 
dener's daughter heard it and smiled, for she knew what 
the flower meant. It had been carefully planted, watered, 
and cared for, but had somehow forgotten to hold up 
its head and breathe in the sunlight. Instead, it had 
drooped disconsolately, because its petals were less 
brightly colored than those of its neighbors, or its foli- 
age less beautiful than that of others, or because it did 
not occupy the centre of the garden, or because — well, 
nobody but the gardener and his daughter can tell just 
what was the reason. It had drooped, and after a while 
even the sunlight appeared to have forgotten it. A 
thicket of weeds grew up around it and almost choked 
the flower, taking a malicious delight in its discourage- 
ment. Finally, the gardener's daughter remembered it. 
She went to it and cleared away the weeds, that the sun 
might reach it once more. Tl^e surprised little flower 
tried to thank her, but onl^^ succeeded in asking, 
"Why?" How could she think it worth while? it 
wondered. 

"Do you want to know why?" whispered the gar- 

3 



4 PREFACE, 

dener's daughter. " Because flowers are God's thoughts. 
I wanted to help you to grow strong and beautiful for 
him." 

And the flower did not disappoint her. 

Are not human souls, even more truly than flowers, 
"God's thoughts".? It cannot be time wasted to help 
them grow; and one of the helps is the sunshine of 
intelligent sympathy and cheery companionship. It is 
not for the young alone, not for the cultured and fortu- 
nate alone. Every soul that ever lived needs sunshine 
in order to grow into the bright and harmonious life 
that God intended for it. Then only can it reach and 
bless other lives with a like helpfulness. Farewell to 
the weeds of selfishness and despondency; it is time 
for the sun to shine in! Many workers are already 
clearing the way, with patient and loving hands, deem- 
ing the work not less sacred in its way than that of the 
prayer meeting. We ask for a place among these, that 
through " Eighty Pleasant Evenings " we may help, in 
some measure, to find and develop " God's thoughts," 
which are too often struggling for existence against 
many obstacles. We would help them to be free once 
more, and to " grow strong and beautiful — for him." 

L. M. H. 



To Our Friends and the Public : 

The compilers wish to acknowledge, with sincere 
thanks, the aid rendered by various friends in the prep- 
aration of " Eighty Pleasant Evenings." While half 
of the socials were devised by members of the com- 
mittee, the material for the remaining half was selected 
from various outside sources. Our thanks are due, for 
assistance other than that credited elsewhere, to Mr. A. 
M. Harris, Mr. Knight L. Clapp, Miss Alice Chadwick, 
Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Heath, Miss Euphemia P. Gregory, 
Mr. J. Arthur Funk, Miss Blanche Cutler, Miss E. 
Louise Doremus, Mr. A. T. Doremus, Mrs. Amelia D. 
Alden, Miss Helen S. Daley, and The Christian 
Endeavor World. 

It will be noticed that each social or entertainment 
forms a complete evening in itself, that there are no 
isolated games or exercises. Of course, this fact does 
not debar any one from exchanging, combining, omit- 
ting, or in other ways altering special features of any 
evening described. Where programmes are longer than 
desired, or where a game mentioned in a different social 
is preferred, the change can be readily made, adapting 
the material to local needs. It was thought better, 
therefore, to make each social as complete as possible, 
for the convenience of busy workers generally. The 

5 



6 PREFATORY NOTE. 

suggestions are for the most part tried and proved 
successes, largely so tested in the community where 
compiled. They are intended for Christian Endeavor 
and church workers, also for the Young Woman's 
Christian Temperance Union and similar temperance 
societies ; for, if there is any one class that is beginning 
more than others to realize the need of " pleasant even- 
ings," it is the reformers. The Juniors have a place; 
the reading circles, the good-literature, press, missionary, 
and flower committees have been remembered; and it 
is hoped that this little work will find a general wel- 
come, and for many occasions prove useful. 

With these few words of greeting, acknowledgment, 
and explanation, we would invite the reading of what is 
to follow, and sign ourselves, in the cause of Christian 
sociability. 

The Press Committee 

of Deems Memorial Christian Endeavor 
Society of Immanuel Church, 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 



Accidental Social . .51 

Animal Social . . . . . . . -52 

Authors, Evening with 66 

Arctic Exploring Tour iii 

Barmecide Banquet . 13 

Bean Social 21 

Belated Picnic 98 

Boston's Most Celebrated Attraction, Evening with . 21 

Boston Suburb Social .96 

Building Evening . . . . . . . . 22 

Buttercup Social 35 

California Shake Social 32 

Celebrity Social . . . . . ^ . . -51 

Ceres Evening 57 

Characteristics, Evening of 62 

Chautauqua Evening, German-Roman Year . . .102 
Chautauqua Lawn Social, French-Greek Year . . 86 

Chinese Social 19 

Chinese Social, No. 2 47 

Ching Lee's Unworthy Compliments . . . .72 

Chocolataire 28 

Christian Endeavor World, Evening with . . 'US 

Christmas Social 74 

Christmas Stocking Party 43 

7 



8 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 

College Social 32 

Colonial Social 34 

Cotton Social 45 

Crystal Social 25 

Cuban Social . 68 

Dime Social . . . . . . . . '39 

Due Tea . . . . ... . . '91 

Dutch Evening .... . ... 94 

Echo Meeting 76 

Eggs-ellent Plan . . . . . . . -75 

Evening with Animals . . . . . . -52 

Evening with Authors ....... 66 

Evening with Boston's Most Celebrated Attraction . 21 

Evening with Ceres 57 

Evening of Characteristics 62 

Evening with The Christian Endeavor World . -US 
Evening with the Fairies . . . . . '72 

Evening with Father Time . . . . . .11 

Evening with Eugene Field . . . . . . '83 

Evening with Flora 38 

Evening in Holland .94 

Evening with " Jack " 46 

Evening with Jack o' Dreams ..... 109 

Evening with Lincoln . . . . . . > ^1 

Evening with Longfellow . . . . . .96 

Evening with Schiller . ' 107 

Evening of Short Cuts . . . . . . .110 

Evening with the Trees 114 

Fairies, Evening with the 72 

Father Time, Evening with 11 

Festival of the Trades ........ 37 

Field, Evening with Eugene 83 

Flora, Evening with 38 

Flower Social . . . . . . . -103 

Forest Social 54 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 9 

Fragaria Virginiana Revel 64 

Gate Social 48 

Grandmother Gray's Reception 67 

Hallowe'en Entertainment 48 

Hidden Musicale 100 

Hindoo Social . 27 

Holland, Evening in 94 

International Social 30 

Italian Social •41 

Jack o' Dreams 109 

''Jack" Social 46 

King Cotton's Reception 45 

Klondike Social . . 51 

Klondike Social, No. 2 90 

Labor Social 37 

Lincoln Evening . . . . . . . -17 

Longfellow's Dream . 112 

Longfellow Evening 96 

Longfellow Guessing-Bee 24 

Marine Social • 83 

Midmnter Excursion . 58 

Missionary Social 95 

Musicale, Hidden 100 

New Year's Social 11 

Palm Social 29 

Paper Social 18 

Patriotic Social 63 

Pearl Social 20 

Picnic, Belated 98 

Plantation Social 45 

Poppy Social . . . 109 

Press Social 15 

Press Social, No. 2 24 

Progressive Social 76 

Proverb Social 87 



10 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 

Rose Social 93 

Schiller, Evening with 107 

Short Cuts, Evening of 110 

Snowball Party .42 

Spinning Social • 99 

Spring Tour . . . 88 

State Social . . . . . . . . .87 

Strawberry Social 64 

Temperance Talking Party 23 

Trade Social * » * Zl 

Trees, Evening with the . . . ... 114 

Trio Social . . . 107 

Twisted Social 80 

Village Improvement Social 56 

Washington's Birthday Social 12 

Wheel Social . . . 104 

Willard Evening . . 103 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 



A New Year's SociaL 

Two persons, perhaps the president and the vice- 
president, should be prepared to represent Father Time 
and Lady New Year. Father Time's costume may be 
a long dark robe, a voluminous snow-white beard, and a 
wig to match. Lady New Year is dressed in white 
Grecian costume with gilt or silver border and girdle, 
and a coronet or Grecian bandeaux in the hair. 

The opening speech, by Father Time, should briefly 
review the chief events of the past year, and introduce 
Lady New Year, who follows with a prophecy appro- 
priate to the hopes and plans of the society for the 
coming year, and then introduces, in her turn, four 
other speakers. These should be officers, committee 
chairmen, or other active members thoroughly familiar 
with the society's work. Each is dressed to represent 
a different season of the year, and speaks for five min- 
utes on "The Best Season for Our Society to Work, 
and Why." The endeavor of each speaker is to prove 
his own season the most fitting for active work by the 
society, showing how many kinds of work may be under- 
taken at that time, etc. 

The company decide by vote on the one who makes 
the best argument. The winner is then presented, by 

11 



12 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

Father Time, with a pretty calendar containing artistic 
or literary suggestions pertaining to the interests of the 
church or society. 

This may be varied by having the twelve months 
instead of the seasons. The dress may be elaborate in 
effect, or as simple as usual, with only a sash or badge 
containing the name of the month, and suitable flowers, 
— a sprig of holly for December, etc. 

Refreshments may be cake and chocolate with white 
paper napkins on which are printed the date and " A 
Happy New Year." Close with a New Year's chorus, 
in which all can join. l. m. h. 

A Washington's Birthday SocfaL 

Invitations are worded in the usual form, with the 
word " Costume " in the lower left-hand corner. These 
costumes may be simple or elaborate, the essential 
points being powdered hair for all, kerchiefs, and black 
court-plaster patches for the ladies, and for the gentle- 
men long hose, knee-breeches, buckled slippers, and 
lace ruffles in coat-sleeves. Hanging in a conspicuous 
place should be a life-size portrait of George Washing- 
ton, framed in evergreen or in red, white, and blue- 
Flags and draperies of bunting may be added as deco- 
rations, wherever desired. Pin the name of some famous 
Revolutionary character to the back of each guest, and 
require him to guess his own identity by means of 
conversational hints from various sources. 

Sheets of paper, with dainty pencils attached by 
means of narrow parti-colored ribbon, should be pre- 
viously prepared. The first page may be decorated 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 1 3 

with a flag and a patriotic motto. On the inner pages 
are eight or ten questions or topics for conversation, 
each numbered, with a space below it for the name of 
a partner. Each guest engages, or is engaged by, a 
different partner for each topic. When arranged, all 
converse five minutes on each topic, beginning, ending, 
and changing partners and topics at the tap of a bell. 

Peanut-shells may be provided, split and tied with 
narrow ribbon, and containing slips of paper on each of 
which is written half of the name of a State. These 
are passed and matched to find partners for refresh- 
ments. Just before serving the cake, coffee, and ice- 
cream, a march should be introduced ; and the evening 
may close appropriately with the singing of patriotic 
songs. 

A Barmecide Banquet* 

The following plan has been successfully tested. 

Send out combined invitations and programmes, 
written on the first and third, or the two inside, pages 
of ordinary note-paper. The invitations read : — 

Dear Friend: 

'T would be downright treason 
To open the holiday season 
By failing to share, 
Be it stormy or fair, 
In our feast of fun and reason 
At 
the residence 
of 

Miss 

Evening, , 189 — . 



14 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENIAGS. 

The programme page may be as follows : — 

MENU. 

Consomme a la Galop. 

Pressed Tongue. Saratoga Chips. 

Roast Turkey. 

Yosemite Sauce. 

Game. 

Plum Pudding 

or 

Jack Horner's Pie. 

Scotch Marmalade. 

We give the interpretation. 

First course : " Consomme a la Galop," a lively piano 
selection. 

Second course : " Pressed Tongue," the reading of 
several short extracts from current literature ; or a 
bright talk from some one not a member of the 
society, thus " pressed " into service, might be sub- 
stituted ; " Roast Turkey," a paper or debate on the 
Eastern situation at the close of the war between 
Turkey and Greece; <' Yosemite Sauce," a reading 
from Gunnison's '' Rambles Overland," giving his 
delightful description of the Yosemite ; *' Saratoga 
Chips," selected readings from Josiah Allen's Wife's 
" Samantha at Saratoga ; " and " Gam.e," which might 
be any general exercise preferred, but was, in the 
instance referred to, the game of " Book Reviewing " 
described in " Press Social No. 2," 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. I 5 

Third course, " Plum Pudding, or Jack Horner's Pie," 
consists of a handful of pop-corn for each guest, placed 
in a violet-colored napkin with pansy border, a slip of 
paper inserted containing a written quotation, and the 
whole gathered up and tied with a narrow pink, red, or 
yellow ribbon. These present a remarkably pretty 
appearance when passed. Any delicate color will 
answer for the napkins, but the pansies are desirable 
as suggestive of thoughts. The guests are instructed 
to untie the napkins and follow Jack Horner's example, 
the '* plums " being the quotations, which are read aloud 
during the eating of the pop-corn, and should be of a 
witty or humorous character. 

The last course, " Scotch Marmalade," is the singing 
of a Scotch song, and a reading from "Ian Maclaren," 
Barrie, Macdonald, or some other popular Scotch dia- 
lect writer. A verse of " Auld Lang Syne " is an 
appropriate close. L. m. h. 

A Press SociaL 

This is partly original and partly suggested by The 
Golden Rule, 

Edit an oral newspaper, with your president or some 
ready speaker in charge as editor-in-chief, to explain 
and conduct matters. For the editorial page, have 
several four-minute papers or addresses, from the pas- 
tor and other " contributing editors," on topics of 
general or current interest. The page in charge of the 
" news editor " should consist of selected clippings and 
written items, either local or of wider range, concerning 
the work of the organization. 



1 6 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

A department of '' Personals " is amusing, if planned 
long in advance. It consists of head-lines and short 
but thrilling incidents clipped from newspapers, regard- 
ing people whose names chance to be the same as those 
of certain members of your society. Collected and 
pasted on a card or sheet of paper, they can be read 
by the editor of the department, and afterwards passed 
around, to satisfy any who may suspect him of 
improvising. 

For your literary page have one good short story, 
original if possible, written in advance by your best 
home talent ; or, failing this, read a selected one. 
Impromptu attempts at its pictorial illustration follow. 
For the best sketch thus made, an illustrated book, such 
as " A Daily Message for Christian Endeavorers," was 
once given ; and to the least successful artist, a porous 
plaster, warranted to draw. 

For your advertising columns, prepare in advance a 
list of familiar modern advertisements, retaining the 
phraseology, but substituting the name or initials of 
your organization for the thing advertised ; as, " Life is 
a constant battle, made easier by using C. E." Appro- 
priate literature may be displayed on a table ; the 
foreign and curiously printed newspapers predominating. 

Serve " pressed refreshments," consisting of lemonade 
(pressed lemons) and pressed chicken sandwiches, to 
which may be added ice-cream pressed into bricks. 
Auction off some articles, like a pressed meat loaf, 
compressed yeast cakes, etc., toward the close of the 
evening. 

A suitably "pressing" form of invitation to this 
social would be as follows : — 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 1/ 

Dear Friend : The Press and Social Committees of 
Society express cordial greeting, and wish to impress 



upo.n your mind the fact that you are invited to a Press 
Social on Friday evening, April i, at the home of the chair- 
man of the Press Committee. We shall not attempt to 
repress our pleasure at seeing you, and you will receive a 
hearty press of the hand. Do not depress us by allowing 
pressure of business to prevent you from being present, but 
come and help us to have an evening of compressed enjoy- 
ment. You will find us, as ever, irrepressible. 
Expressively yours, 

Press and Social Committees. 
N. B. Pressed refreshments will be served. 



A Lincoln Evenings 

This should be made a good-citizenship social. Dec- 
orate with red, white, and blue draperies, and have a 
statuette or bust of Lincoln in a conspicuous place, with 
a background of evergreen shaped like a shield. The 
following programme may be rendered. 

Music. 

Paper. " Lincoln's Boyhood and Youth." 

Paper or Address. " Lincoln as a Citizen." 

Reading. " Incidents of Lincoln's Life as President." 

Music. 

Reading. Extract from Lincoln's Speech, No. 30 in 

« Platform Pearls " (published by the Funk & Wagnalls 

Company, New York City). 
Address by the Pastor. " Secrets of Lincoln's Success." 
Music. 

Small paper flags, colored with the stars and stripes 
on one side, and white on the other, may have written on 



1 8 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

the white side a " good-citizenship " conversation topic ; 
as, for instance, "What would be Lincoln's attitude 
toward the liquor traffic of to-day ? " " The modern 
slave," "Is patriotic citizenship declining?" " The sa- 
loon, the church, and the ballot-box," " How to cultivate 
patriotism," " Analogy between war with Spain and war 
with the saloon," " Is America free ? " etc. There 
should be four flags in each set, worded alike. Dis- 
tribute the flags, and let each group of four find one an- 
other and discuss for ten minutes the topic falling to 
them. During this time refreshments may be served. 

Close the evening with familiar patriotic songs, inter- 
spersed with a few selections from " Silver Tones," the 
" Clarion Call," or some similar selection of stirring 
temperance music. l. m. h. 

A Paper SociaL 

Let some one describe the Japanese, dwellings, 
etc., made of paper. A talk of this kind can be 
appropriately aided with stereopticon or other views. 
Tissue-paper decorations are in order, including lamp- 
shades, flowers, and ribbons of the same material. In 
one of the parlors candles may be used as lights, and 
everything may be violet in color, including the tissue- 
paper frill decorating each candle where it is inserted in 
the holder. In the main room should be a literature 
table, also tables containing paper and papier-machd 
articles for sale. 

If desired, the idea may extend to the costumes, each 
lady on the committee wearing a tissue-paper dress ; and 
for one of the games, fancy tissue-paper caps of odd 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 1 9 

shapes may be provided and hidden in various out-of- 
the-way corners, preferably in the " violet room," where 
the light is a little subdued. Toward the close, have a 
hunt for the invisible caps, which are then worn by the 
finders for the rest of the evening. 

The game, or puzzle, of " missionary and cannibal " 
will interest some. Six slips of paper are prepared, 
three of them longer than the others. The longer three 
are called missionaries ; the others, cannibals. The aim 
is to so place the slips, two at a time, that one missionary 
shall escort his five fellow travellers successively across 
an imaginary river, in a boat that holds but one besides 
himself, v/ithout leaving the cannibals in the majority on 
either side. If successful, the missionaries are said to 
have converted the cannibals. If otherwise, the canni- 
bals will devour the missionaries. 

Serve confectionery in tissue-paper boats ; or if more 
substantial lunch be chosen, serve it on papier-machd 
plates, with paper napkins folded in fancy shapes. 

L. M. H. 

A Climese Socials 

Chinese lanterns are the only decorations. A table 
may contain Chinese curios, including specimens of 
Chinese art and literature. Photographs of missiona- 
ries in China may be added, and after an introductory 
speech by the chairman, each member of the committee 
may read a letter from one of these missionaries, if ob- 
tainable, or an extract from some published description 
of their travels and work. Better still, have an address 
from a returned missionary who has been prevailed 
upon to be present. 



20 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

Sliced cards with narrow yellow ribbons tied in one 
corner may contain Chinese characters to be fitted to- 
gether with the aid, if possible, of a student of the 
language. Rice and tea should be the only refresh- 
ments, and those who wish may try the experiment of 
eating the rice in true Chinese fashion, with chopsticks. 

Two Juniors may play the piano duet " Chopsticks." 
A collection should be taken, or a sale of pincushions 
made of Chinese dolls could be held instead, with the 
proceeds to be devoted to the aid of Chinese missiona- 
ries ; and, if desired, a contest of answers to questions on 
China may be conducted, the winner to be presented 
with a cup and saucer or other dainty piece of china, as 
a reward. 

A Pearl Social* 

Provide pearl-tinted cards, and write on each a choice 
Scripture or other quotation suggestive of temperance 
reform and related topics. As an example, take Frances 
E. Willard's saying, " The golden rule of Christ will 
bring the golden age of man." Cut each card in two 
diagonally, distribute them, and let the people find their 
partners accordingly. Then have this " string of pearls," 
as they may be called, read aloud, after allowing five 
minutes for conversation on the subjects which they will 
suggest. One or two musical selections can be here in- 
serted. Two recitations from '•'- Platform Pearls " follow. 
A short talk, if obtainable, from some one who knows 
all about pearls and diving, will be entertaining, and 
should lead to questions and general discussion of the 
subject. If a diver's suit, etc., can be exhibited in this 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 21 

connection, it will add to the interest. A good magazine 
article treating of pearl-divers and their work may be 
substituted if there is no one sufficiently posted to speak 
extemporaneously on the subject. 

The last part of the programme, after another musical 
selection, may be an address by the pastor or president 
of the society, on " the pearl of great price," in which it 
will be easy to introduce thoughts on the formation of 
pearls of character through the irritation of trials and 
afflictions, etc. 

The refreshments may be principally oysters; for 
these, if served in various styles, a charge should be 
made. L. M. H. 



An Evening with Boston^s Most Celebrated Attraction* 

That is what it is called in the invitations. If it 
proves to be a " bean social," who can find fault ? Begin 
with a piano or violin solo, followed by a short address 
on the subject of the festive bean. There may be a 
reading, preferably the chapter, somewhat abridged, on 
"A Fifty-Mile Walk" in Gunnison's "Rambles Over- 
land," as this combines fine literary style, good descrip- 
tions of scenery, and beans. '' The Modern Jack and 
the Beanstalk" may be the subject of a paper comparing 
in detail the adventures of the well-known hero with 
those of the modern and equally aspiring struggler for 
fame, fortune, or, better still, success in some line of 
missionary or temperance work. This may be followed 
by the game " Jack and the beans talk." The leader, 
Jack, asks a question of each person in the room. The 
reply must be neither " Yes " nor " No," and must begin 



22 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

with some letter contained in the word " bean." Any 
player failing to answer promptly must take the place of 
the questioner. 

Place a handful of beans in a small jar or bottle, and 
let every one guess as to the number. 

Have six or more different colored bean-bags pre- 
pared, and try several forms of that game ; passing the 
bags rapidly from hand to hand, throwing them to per- 
sons across the room, or aiming at an open box or an 
opening in an inclined plank, with a certain number of 
throws and some one to keep tally. A suitable reward 
for the observing eye and accurate aim in these games 
would be a holder, embroidered on one side with a spray 
of the flowering bean, and on the other with the words 
" Bean-Porridge Hot." 

For refreshments serv^e Boston baked beans, brown 
bread and butter, and coffee. There might be a sale of 
baked beans in cans. l. m. h. 

A Building Evening* 

Begin with instrumental music, followed by a paper, 
talk, or reading on some interesting phase of architecture, 
ancient or modern. Pictures of famous buildings may 
be displayed on walls or tables, and the literature com- 
mittee may conduct the company on an imaginary tour 
to visit some of the most remarkable of them. Holmes's 
" Chambered Nautilus," Longfellow's " Building of the 
Ship," or some other " building poem " may be sliced or 
dissected and the fragments passed for those present to 
arrange in proper sequence, comparing notes and finding 
seats accordingly. The poem may then be read by a 
member of the committee. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 23 

Another game which may either follow or precede 
the " dissected poem " is the " tower of excuses." The 
leader relates his imaginary experiences in building a 
tower, first having assigned to the other players the 
parts of mason, carpenter, glazier, plumber, electrician, 
etc. When he tells how each workman failed to fulfil 
his contract, the player alluded to must interrupt the 
story with an instant excuse before the next workman is 
mentioned. Those who fail thus to give an excuse may 
be sentenced, according to the discretion of the judge, 
to a fine or imprisonment with hard labor, or both. In 
other words, they must pay a forfeit, consisting either of 
a small contribution to your church-building fund, or of 
banishment to an adjoining room until they shall have 
succeeded in building a tower of some kind. The 
tower may be built of anything at hand, such as books, 
hats, umbrellas, chairs, newspapers, etc. 

Serve refreshments of layer cake, and ice-cream in 
bricks ; and close the evening with two or three vocal 
selections. Two especially good ones would be " I 
Built a Bridge of Fancies," and " Building for Eter- 
nity." L. M. H. 

A Temperance Talking Part>%' 

Appoint a committee to give each member questions 
on our reasons for being total abstainers, the questions 
bringing out the effects of alcohol on the body, mind, 
character, and the nation ; the information to be given 
in conversation, and the one not bringing in her or his 

* The description of this social was kindly furnished by Miss Margaret 
Tyler, the assistant secretary of the Massachusetts Young Woman's Branch 
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 



24 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

answers in the conversation to pay a forfeit, the com- 
mittee keeping record. The conversation may be for 
half an hour. 

Mtcsic. "The Fruit of the Vine,'* Y Song Book. 

Paper. " What is the next step in Anti- Saloon Warfare ? " 
Five minutes. 

Singing. " Only a Glass," Y Song Book. 

Paper. " Neal Dow's Chief Characteristics." Ten minutes. 
Or "The Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union 
as an Eye-Opener." 

A Longfellow Guessing-Bee*^ 

Each member is provided with a neat little card and 
pencil, and twelve selections are read from Longfellow's 
poems by one of the members. The others are to guess 
from which poem they were taken, and write down their 
guesses on the card. The one guessing the greatest 
number correctly is allowed as a reward to choose her 
favorite of Longfellow's poems, which is then read 
entire by one of the members. 

Press Social, No# 2* 

This is a variation, in several respects, from the other 
press social suggested. In fact, the " newspaper " may 
be entirely omitted from the exercise, leaving no resem- 
blance whatever. Instead of the literature table, have 
a table containing a collection of photographs or other 
pictures — those cut from magazines or papers will an- 

1 The description of this social was kindly furnished by Miss Margaret 
Tyler, the assistant secretary of the Massachusetts Young Woman's Branch 
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 25 

swer — of well-known editors. Number these pictures, 
distribute blank cards with corresponding numbers, and 
have a guessing contest. The one who correctly fills in 
the greatest number of editors' names, with correspond- 
ing names of the journals edited, receives, in reward, a 
book, a photograph-case, or a collection of photographs. 

Play the game of *' Book Reviewing," as follows : 
Each person writes the name of a book, folds the 
paper over to conceal what is written, and passes it to 
his neighbor, who writes the name of an author, in turn 
folding and passing it. The third writes one or more 
" opinions of the press," or, in other words, reviews the 
book, of course without knowing what it is. Engage 
the entire company thus, and the results, when read 
aloud, are sure to be amusing. 

Arrange to have platform scales present, and invite 
every one to come and " press " them down, or to be 
weighed, at a tax of one cent for each ten pounds. The 
refreshments are pressed pop-corn balls and lemonade. 
Elaborate decorations may be introduced, but should be 
entirely of newspapers, festooned, draped, fringed, 
wound, strung, made into flowers or rosettes ; and most 
effective of all, the press committee may wear costumes 
made of the same material. Music may be interspersed 
with the exercises, and the chairman of the press com- 
mittee should make a brief speech at some time during 
the evening, explaining the purpose and progress of the 
society's press work. 

A Crystal Social. 

White, pink, or violet tissue-paper decorations, with 
all the glass vases and other glass ornaments available, 



26 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

create a pretty effect, and there should be a fancifully 
draped mirror, and a table of curios displaying special 
triumphs of the glass-blower's art. The following pro- 
gramme is suggested : — 

1. Music, From violin, piano, or, if possible, "musical 
glasses." 

2. History of glass-making. 

3. Descriptive paper or reading, "The Crystal Palace." 

4. Scenes from "Cinderella." ( Tableaux or shadow pan- 
tomime, with music.) 

5. Recitation. " Pledge with Wine," or other temperance 
selection alluding to the wine-glass. 

6. Singing. " Only a Glass," from the Y Song Book. 

7. Address by pastor or president,^ "Living in Glass 
Houses." 

This may be either followed or preceded by a micro- 
scope exhibition, a mirror " observation test," and a 
rhyming contest. The microscope is interesting to 
many not familiar with study of the sciences. A pro- 
fessor or advanced student should select the specimens 
to be examined, and give a little explanation of each. 
The mirror test is conducted as follows : Each person 
is led in turn up to the mirror, and is given ten seconds 
to observe all that he can by looking therein. He is 
then led away, and writes on a card the list of articles 
seen. The one whose card shows the most numerous 
observations, receives by way of reward some pretty 
trifle in glassware, while the least observing may be 
presented with a pair of paper spectacles. The rhym- 
ing contest gives the honors to the one who succeeds in 
writing the best original verse of not less than eight 
lines, the alternate lines rhyming with ''glass," 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 2/ 

Lemonade, wafers, and delicate custards, ices, or 
lemon jelly, served in glass dishes, form the refresh- 
ments. A collection may be taken in a glass bowl or 
plate, or there may be a sale of useful and pretty glass 
articles. l. m. h. 

A Hindoo SociaL 

Devote the first half-hour to introductions, conversa- 
tion, and examination of the curios and carefully labelled 
photographs from India. Introduce, under a Hindoo 
name, a member of the society dressed to represent a 
high-caste Hindoo lady. Her conversation, with its 
assumed foreign accent and broken English, should 
carry out the illusion. Each member of the missionary 
committee may read, as in the Chinese social, some let- 
ter or extract of interest from the field of mission work 
in India. One or tw^o musical selections, vocal or instru- 
mental, may be inserted to add variety. Have a map- 
drawing contest, each guest being required to draw from 
memory a map of India. The most successful is pre- 
sented with some pretty souvenir ; and the least success- 
ful, with an ordinary india-rubber eraser. 

Serve rice with curry sauce, and tea, as the only re- 
freshments. Flowers may be used as decorations, and 
potted plants of a tropical appearance are especially 
suitable. At a social of this kind once held, an auction 
sale was introduced, where the auctioneer solemnly 
assured his prospective customers that the layer cake 
which he was offering them was undoubtedly supplied 
with filling of india-rubber. It sold, nevertheless, at a 
good price. 



28 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 



A ''Chocolataire/^ 

In this social the decorations are all of a purple or 
violet hue — flowers, paper napkins, ribbon bows on the 
waitresses' caps and aprons, etc. The lights are from 
candles in silver candlesticks decorated with violet tissue- 
paper frills. Two or three of the ladies act as host- 
esses and pour the chocolate, while five or six girls or 
young ladies are waitresses. The first hour is spent in 
conversation, and in listening to as fine a musical pro- 
gramme, both vocal and instrumental, as can be 
arranged, including not only the best musical talent from 
within the society, but some from outside. Then serve 
the refreshments, which are chocolate with whipped 
cream, chocolate layer cake or other cake with choco- 
late icing, and candies. Charge twenty-five cents for the 
refreshments complete, or fifteen cents for the chocolate 
and cream alone ; and give a small cup and saucer as a 
souvenir to each guest purchasing chocolate. After all 
have been served, have an auction sale of the remaining 
candy, loaves of cake, and boxes or cakes of chocolate 
from which the delectable food and drink were prepared. 

Invitations sent out in advance should mention the 
souvenir cup and saucer given to each guest purchasing 
refreshments. If thought desirable, the best parts of 
the musical programme may be reserved for the closing 
features of the evening, announcements being made 
accordingly. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 2g 

A Palm Social 

This is a warm-weather social. Decorate with potted 
palms and have a generous supply of palm-leaf fans. 
If any of the committee wear silk waists or cotton 
dresses v/ith a palm-leaf figured effect, so much the 
better. 

An essay, story, chalk-talk, or stereoptlcon address on 
" A Journey in the Land of the Palm Trees " can be 
made entertaining, but should not be very long. In 
connection with this, pictures of the cocoanut-palm 
especially may be shown. Then the guests are con- 
ducted, in groups of a few at a time, into a room a 
little darkened, where a member of the society, disguised 
in gypsy costume, tells the fortune of each in turn, at a 
charge of ^v^ cents, or whatever they please to give. 
The " fortunes " are told from the lines on the palm of 
the hand, and should foretell marvellous achievements 
in the direction of work for the society, combined with 
humorous adventures and catastrophes, all adapted to the 
known tendencies, talents, and habits of the individual. 

These "fortunes," if conducted by a bright, ready 
talker, possessed of tact as well as wit, will furnish 
material enough for conversation and merriment among 
the main body of the guests as fast as the successive 
groups return and new ones take their places. A gypsy 
song, such as " Esmeralda," may be rendered as a solo, 
either before or after the gypsy's reign ; or it can be in- 
serted during the waiting period before the first group 
returns, if the rooms are somewhat separated as to the 
penetration of sound. Serve ice-cream, cocoanut cake, 
and iced lemonade for refreshments. l. m. h. 



30 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

An International Social* 

Collect a dozen or more pictures representing noted 
buildings or characteristic scenery of as many different 
countries. Number, but do not label, them. Arrange 
them about the room, on walls, mantels, etc., and provide 
each guest with a programme, pencil, and a card, num- 
bered to correspond with the pictures, each card contain- 
ing all the numbers. Require them to guess from what 
nation each scene is taken, and write their guesses 
opposite the list of numbers on the cards. 

At the close of a half-hour, collect the cards; and, 
while they are being examined by the committee, have 
the musical part of the programme. This should consist 
entirely of national airs, played as a medley, or singly 
with variations ; or they may be sung by ladies or girls 
dressed in appropriate costume. Germany, France, Italy, 
England, Ireland, Scotland, and America would all be 
capable of bright representation in song and dress. 
" Hidden Nations," or, as The Voice gives it, " A Tour 
of Nations," may be introduced. We give with one 
variation the list published in that paper, from which the 
idea will be readily taken. The game may be conducted 
orally or in written form. If rewards are given, in this 
or the former contest, they may consist of small flags, or 
of other patriotic emblems. 

A TOUR OF NATIONS. 

1. Nation from which we start : Germination. 

2. Actors' nation : Impersonation. 

3. Nation for criminals : Condemnation. 

4. Murderers' nation : Assassination. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 3 I 

5. Nation for astonished people : Consternation. 

6. Nation for rulers : Domination. 

7. Nation for pests : Extermination. 

8. Nation for their subjects : Subordination. 

9. Nation provoking disapproval : Abomination. 

10. Teachers' nation : Explanation. 

1 1 . Their pupils' nation : Examination. 

12. The rebels' nation : Alienation. 

13. Nation for labor unions : Combination. 

14. Nation for unwilling people: Declination. 

15. Nation for smallpox patients : Vaccination. 

16. Soothsayers' nation : Divination. 

1 7. A floral nation : Carnation. 

18. A politicians' nation : Nomination. 

19. Nation for contagious disease : Contamination. 

20. Nation for seed-sowers : Dissemination. 

21. Nation for deer : Stagnation. 

22. Nation for the resolute : Determination. 

23. Nation for choir boys : Intonation. 

24. Nation for a new king : Coronation. 

25. Nation for the deluded : Hallucination. 

26. The poets' nation : Imagination. 

27. Nation for travellers : Destination. 

28. Nation for those whose official usefulness is 

ended : Resignation. 

29. Nation for benevolent people : Donation. 

30. A charming nation : Fascination. 

31. A nation of sects : Denomination. 

32. The critics' nation : Discrimination. 

33. The nation at the climax : Culmination. 

34. The nation we have now reached : Termi- 

nation. 



32 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

The lunch or supper may include one or more articles 
of food supposed to be from each of the several promi- 
nent countries: French rolls, omelet, and coffee; Ger- 
man sausage or pretzels ; Irish potatoes ; English roast 
beef or plum pudding; macaroni, spaghetti, or fruits 
from Italy; Scotch oatmeal "parritch"; and Yankee 
doughnuts, succotash, or pumpkin pie. Or there may 
be separate tables with a complete bill of fare, and a 
waitress in costume for each nation, thus giving a wide 
choice. The latter way is most profitable, as some will 
pay for several suppers before leaving. Both the supper- 
room and the parlors should be tastefully draped with 
flags of the various nations, and a stirring march may 
be played when supper is announced. 

A ** California Shake ^ SociaL 

Decorations should, if possible, include some sugges- 
tions of California, either in flowers, curios, or pictures. 
Begin with music, and have a short literary programme, 
including a paper or address on some phase of Cali- 
fornia life. Refreshments are served on " shakes. " 
These are thin shingles one foot long and six inches 
wide, decorated with a ribbon bow. They were used 
originally, we believe, in a Christian Endeavor social 
given by the First English Lutheran Church of Oakland, 
Cal. The Endeavorers secured the autographs of their 
friends on their " shakes," and carried them away as 
souvenirs. 

A College Social* 

This is especially adapted to the purposes of tem- 
perance or missionary committees, the Young Woman's 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 33 

Christian Temperance Union, etc. It is best held in a 
large room, the chapel or church parlors, rather than 
a private house. College seniors and graduates may 
wear their picturesque caps and gowns, and the room 
should be decorated with the college colors ; those of 
Harvard draped on the wall at one side or corner, those 
of Wellesley at another, etc., till a half-dozen or more 
of the principal American colleges are thus represented. 
Place small tables around, with photographs of college 
buildings, scenery, and people, each table devoted to a 
different college, and arranged in its appropriate corner, 
with the special draperies corresponding. It will add to 
the interest if some person well informed on the subject 
is in charge of each table to explain the photographs 
and answer inquiries ; but if the pictures are carefully 
labelled, this may be dispensed with. 

The exercises may begin with two or three short ad- 
dresses on college athletics, the recent improved facilities 
for study of the sciences, the position of leading colleges 
on the temperance question, college life from a girl's point 
of view, etc., with a humorous recitation or bright story 
bearing on the subject. Then, for the main feature, have 
a written examination, with questions on church, mis- 
sionary, or temperance history, or on the society's 
work. Copying, instead of being forbidden, should be 
encouraged. 

All present are supposed by courtesy to be " author- 
ities " on some one or more of the subjects treated. Let 
the examination last three-quarters of an hour, with 
suitable rewards for the students who can report the 
greatest number of " authorities " consulted. Each stu- 
dent who is declared to have ^* passed " may be presented 



34 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

with a diploma or certificate, tied with a ribbon, and 
containing, besides the usual testimonials, the hour and 
place of the society's regular meeting, with invitation to 
attend. 

Serve cocoa, wafers, and "fudges," or some similar 
college dainty, for the refreshments, and close with a 
succession of carefully selected college songs, such as 
" Fair Harvard," the Cornell " Alma Mater," etc. 

L. M. H. 

A Colonial Social* 

Have a log house if possible, of any size preferred, 
perhaps large enough to answer for the store of refresh- 
ments, in one corner of the church parlors or room 
where the social is to be held. This hut should be put 
together with sufficient care to stand any probable raids 
by Indians or others who may enter too enthusiastically 
into the spirit of the occasion. Costumes, of course, 
should be in the colonial style, and those who will take 
pains to do so may give a colonial quaintness to their 
speech in conversation throughout the evening. A 
" Priscilla " and an " Evangeline " will be as picturesque 
for the waitresses as the more richly clad dames who 
preside at the antique silver tea-urns. Do not forget 
the importance of powdered hair and kerchiefs. An 
Indian or two, with blanket, feathers, and tomahawk, 
will be impressive if appearing at some unexpected 
time. 

Have all the colonial relics that can be collected, 
including specimens of printing, needlework such as our 
grandmothers' "samplers," any stray fan, slipper, or 
glove formerly belonging to a colonial belle, etc. The 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 35 

ear-rings worn at that period are some of them astonish- 
ing, and the old-fashioned medallion lockets are full of 
interest. Stories may be told concerning these relics; 
some one may give an account of John Eliot's work 
among the Indians, and of the first Bible and first 
newspaper ever printed in this country. Serve primitive 
refreshments, including the all-important tea. In such 
a social, the old-fashioned games like " blind man's 
buff " will be found to possess a new charm. Several 
songs, such as the " Old Oaken Bucket " may be 
selected, even if not strictly colonial ; and all present 
may join in the closing one, " America." L. m. h. 

A Buttercup Social* 

This can be made as simple or as elaborate as 
desired in the matter of decorations, etc. Paper ribbons 
and draperies of a clear, bright yellow may be used, or 
green foliage and vines, with clusters of buttercups here 
and there, and vases of the same flower. Buttercups 
should be worn by the committee. Waitresses may 
wear yellow bows on caps and aprons. Lamp-shades 
of the same color add to the effect. 

The buttercups are typical of sunshine and good 
cheer, as can easily be made evident. An address by 
the pastor or president, on " The Magic of Good 
Humor " may open the evening, followed by music and 
a recitation like " The Discontented Buttercup " or a 
humorous reading. Prepare cards on which are writ- 
ten questions on some missionary or temperance sub- 
jects, and other cards containing the answers; paint 
a buttercup on each, and distribute them, each holder 



36 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

of a question to find the one with the answer. When 
all have found partners, announce five minutes for 
conversation on topics suggested by the cards held. 

Next, during a prelude played on piano, violin, or 
mandolin, a member of the society enters with a 
basket, and proceeds to sing the familiar " Little 
Buttercup" solo, from "Pinafore," only with a differ- 
ence. The song, as adapted, reads as fellows : — 

" IVe been to see Buttercup, dear little Buttercup, 
Once with the Pinafore's crew. 
She's left it forever for Christian Endeavor ; 
I hope she'll be loyal and true. 

" Now, such the conditions, her work for home 
missions 
Prevents her from coming to-night, 
But she gave me her basket, before I could ask it; 
The contents you'll view with delight." 

The song can then continue, if desired, by partially 
describing the contents of the basket in the words of 
the veritable " Little Buttercup." As the singer comes 
to the "ribbons and laces," etc., the wares should be 
displayed. They may include a number of small fancy 
and useful articles such as would be salable at fairs. 
Every one should have an opportunity to examine and 
purchase, as it is understood to be with the object of 
replenishing the society's treasury, or to be devoted to 
charitable uses. Refreshments may be lemonade, orange 
cake, candy " buttercups," or lemon drops, and oranges 
cut in two transversely to be eaten with spoons. The 
paper napkins may be yellow and white, or white with 
a buttercup painted in one corner. L. M. h. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 37 



A Labor Social; or, Festival of the Trades* 

This would be suitable for the evening of " Labor 
Day." If your society includes among its young men 
members a number of good singers, by all means have 
the " Anvil Chorus " from " II Trovatore." The rooms 
should be large. The singers, dressed to represent 
blacksmiths, with red flannel shirts and leather aprons, 
hammer in hand, enter and sing the chorus to a piano 
accompaniment. Anvils should be provided, and during 
the refrain the time is marked by regular blows on these 
with the hammers. Previous to the rendering of this 
chorus there may be other music and a short literary 
programme, such as the following. 

. I. Reading. Sidney Lanier's poem, " The Symphony." 

2. Add7'ess. " Our Comrade, the Laborer." 

3. Reading from Chapter 8 or 9 of Henderson's " Social 

Spirit in America." 

4. Paper. " Manual Training in Schools " or " Sloyd." 

Then the '^ Anvil Chorus " may be introduced, after 
which games like the tower of excuses, described in the 
" Building Evening," may be played. There may be a 
sale of articles representing different handicrafts, in- 
cluding the sewing and cooking industries, the proceeds 
to start a fund in the society's treasury for the especial 
purpose of aiding an industrial school or similar insti- 
tution. If desired, a debate may be added to the 
programme, such as, " Resolved, That the omission of 
church privileges from settlements like the Ruskin 
community is the fault of the church." L. m. h. 



38 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

An Evening with Flora^ 

" Dear Friend ; This invitation ponder well. 
A little bird has told, as birds will tell, 
That on the Goddess Flora's Festal Day 
Bleak February changes into May. 
The time is now at hand, — the day, the hour, 
When you can test the bird's prophetic power. 
Come to the chapel, then, on Friday night, 
The twenty-sixth ; and, if the bird be right. 
Flora will grace our social with her charms 
That banish care and soothe all false alarms. 
Of course in person we can scarce expect her. 
But, while we serve ambrosial food and nectar, 
Or something more substantial, take our word, 
She '11 make you glad you listened to that bird. 
Three things bring with you, if you would be kind. 
And suit your gifts to royal Flora's mind. 
Bring smiles and brains and coins both large and small ; 
But of flower catalogues bring none at all. 
Or Flora '11 be offended, more 's the pity. 

" Yours, 
"Deems Memorial C. E. Flower Committee." 

These were the invitations used for a flower social 
given in February. In the chapel were potted plants 
as decorations, and the early part of the evening was 
given up to music, a floral recitation or two, and gen- 
eral conversation. During the latter part of the even- 
ing, we amused ourselves by writing "a floral love 
story." Sheets of note-paper, with programme pencils 
attached, were passed to the guests, and floral answers 
were given, so far as possible, to the list of numbered- 
questions found thereon. This exercise of the memory 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 39 

and ingenuity is not a new one, but affords pleasure 
and opportunity for some variations. Cake and lemon- 
ade, or sandwiches and cocoa, may be the refreshments, 
while plates, cups, and napkins should, if convenient, 
bear floral designs. 

" Flower Mission," the poem dedicated to Miss 
Jennie Cassiday, the invalid who has brightened so 
many lives, would be an appropriate recitation, for one. 
It may be found in " Platform Pearls." The objects of 
the flower committee's work should be explained, and a 
collection taken to aid in carrying out its plans. Some 
slight gift, suggestive of flowers, may be awarded to the 
writer of the best list of answers in the floral love story, 
and a flower or tiny bouquet may be handed to each 
guest at the close of the evening. 



A Dime SociaL 

Music and two or three bright recitations or readings 
may open the evening, after a general conversational 
time, while the guests are assembling. A paper or talk 
may be given on the process of coining. This may 
either precede or follow the "dime game," which we 
quote from The Household. 

See that each person present is provided with a 
United States dime and a lead-pencil, also a sheet of 
paper upon which the following list has been either 
written or printed, with numbered blank spaces for 
the answers. When these have been distributed, an- 
nounce that a certain length of time will be given in 
which to find upon the face of the coin the following 
articles. 



40 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

1. Fruit of a tropical tree. 

2. What the Siamese twins were. 

3. What a lazy man seldom gets. 

4. The division of a country. 

5. The cradle of liberty. 

6. Another name for an isthmus. 

7. Something a schoolboy makes. 

8. Something a bootblack wants to give you. 

9. What we love to sing. 

10. What a self -conceited man does. 

1 1 . What you might do if very angry. 

12. Part of a river where the fourth letter of the 

Greek alphabet is sometimes found. 

13. An instrument to catch sound. 
Find upon the reverse side of the dime : 

1 . A sailor's measure of distance at sea. 

2. Two articles for trimming for a child's hat. 

3. A number a miser is sure to take care of. 

4. What a rejected suitor always does. 

5. The brow of a hill overhanging a precipice. 

6. A pleasant companion on a dark night. 

7. What makes the forests green. 

8. From the letters that form "One Dime" make 

thirty-three words, common and proper nouns. 

KEY. 

Articles found upon the face of the dime : 
I. Date. 2. United. 3. Ahead. 4. States. 5. Amer- 
ica. 6. Neck. 7. Figures. 8. A shine. 9. America. 
10. Knows (nose). 11. Stamped. 12. Mouth (Greek 
letter, Delta). 13. Ear. 

Find on the reverse side of the dime : 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 4 1 

I. Knot. 2. Wreath and ribbon. 3. One. 4. Leaves. 
5. Edge. 6. Bow (beau). 7. Foliage. 8. Deem, done, 
don, demon, den, dine, din, dome, dime, die, dim, doe, 
mind, mined, me, mine, mode, mid, meed, men, mend, 
nod, need, node, no, end, ide, in, I, O, one, ode, on. 

Some slight reward may be given to the one having 
the most correct answers. 

For refreshments have cake and ice-cream, peanut 
sandwiches and lemonade, or strawberries and cream, 
and charge a dime ; also, if desired, have a long table 
on which may be arranged various articles for sale at 
that price. 

An Italian Social* 

The main feature of the evening's entertainment con- 
sists of stereopticon views, or at least a collection of 
photographs, of Italian scenery, statuary, and buildings, 
particularly in Rome, explained by an interesting speaker, 
preferably one who has travelled in that region. Music 
should include several instrumental selections from 
Italian composers, and the song " Beautiful Venice, the 
Pride of the Sea," arranged as a duet or trio. The 
song may be followed or preceded by a paper on Venice, 
unless that interesting city has been already fully treated 
by the main speaker in connection with the views. 

The reading in abridged form of " Tessa's Surprises " 
from " Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag," will please the younger 
guests, as will also a peanut-hunt, or the well-known 
game of " Porca " or " Italian blind man's buff." Re- 
freshments may consist of macaroni and tropical fruits, 
including bananas sold by a member of the society 
dressed as an Italian pedler. l. m. h. 



42 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

A Snowball Party* 

This is for a Christmas social, and is based chiefly, 
as is the " Christmas Stocking Party," on the descrip- 
tions given by Caroline Harris Gallagher in The House- 
hold. 

A large pine-tree in the centre of the room is loaded 
with white packages of all sizes and shapes, which look 
like huge snowballs. Bright-colored decorations, but no 
candles, are added. 

On a table, close at hand, is a box filled with pieces 
of cardboard about two inches square, each bearing a 
number. The packages on the tree are marked with 
corresponding numbers. Each person draws a card 
from the box, and then looks for the package bearing 
the duplicate number. Usually the search will be longer 
than might be supposed, and many of the parcels are 
hung so high that a step-ladder standing near must be 
called into service. No assistance should be given or 
received. 

When the mysterious snowballs are unwrapped, all 
sorts of pretty, quaint, and funny articles appear. 
Guests in the party described drew several cards apiece ; 
and, as the gifts are all inexpensive, this might answer 
in a small gathering. Scarf-pins and dolls, silver pen- 
handles and tin horns, dainty ornaments and shrill 
whistles, books and cow-bells, were among the countless 
fruits growing on this remarkable tree. 

"It was most ludicrous," says the writer, *< to see a 
tall young man holding a gayly dressed doll, and a 
pretty girl playing with a jumping-jack, while the sedate 
father of the family tooted loudly on a very unmelodious 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 43 

horn, and his quiet little wife amused herself with a 
pop-gun, or something equally juvenile." 

All the pretty and useful gifts may be selected so as 
to be suitable for either girls or men, such as blotters, 
calendars, inkstands, whisk-brush holders, paper-cutters, 
candlesticks, silver pencils, etc. 

For the refreshments a charge may be made, if the 
entertainment be given by a society instead of by an 
individual, as in the original case. They may include 
" snowballs," as described in The Golden Rule, They 
are made with a cup-shaped ice-shaver, which is filled 
with shaved ice, the finer the better. This ice is turned 
out on a saucer, or put in a glass tumbler. A thick 
syrup is made by boiling down sugar flavored with 
orange or lemon ; or syrups may be made with choco- 
late, or with pears or peaches. This syrup is poured 
upon the shaved ice. 

A Christmas Stocking Party* 

We quote this entire from the same source as the 
" snowball party." 

" When the company had assembled, we were told 
that there was something hidden from each one of us, 
and marked with the name of the person for whom it 
was intended. We were to seek and find our own 
' somethings, ' and no person would be allowed to assist 
another. The parlors, library, and halls furnished a 
large field for the search ; and we soon learned that the 
articles were well hidden. 

*' After some time spent in looking into the most likely 
and unlikely places, success crowned the efforts of the 



44 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

seekers, and each guest found in some unexpected spot 
a funny-looking stocking made of Turkey red, a knobby 
and misshapen object filled to overflowing with gifts. 
A tall man found his stocking on the floor, in a corner, 
and a tiny maiden, who was scarcely five feet tall, dis- 
covered hers on top of a bookcase. In most curious 
places were these remarkable stockings found. They 
were found in the folds of the portieres, on the backs of 
chairs and sofas, and hidden behind music-stands and 
flower-pots. 

" They contained all sorts of pretty, useful, ornamen- 
tal, and ridiculous things ; but, as each one had been 
filled for some special person, the articles were all ap- 
propriate. 

" For example, in that of a newly married woman were 
found dainty trifles for ornamenting her house, an em- 
broidered doily, various kinds of kitchen utensils (such 
as tea-strainers, wooden spoons, etc.), and a watchman's 
rattle. A doctor had in his, among many other things, 
a miniature skeleton, a package of prescription papers, 
an embroidered cravat-case, a lancet, and a mouth-organ. 
Every stocking contained several articles ; some pretty, 
some funny, and all appropriate. 

" Just before supper was served, two little boxes con- 
taining slips of paper were brought into the room. One 
box was handed to the girls and one to the men, with 
the request that each person would draw one of the slips, 
read what was written on it, and keep the writing a 
secret. 

" On the cards of the men were written unfinished 

sentences, such as * Bread and ,' ' Pork and — '■ — ,' 

* Croquettes and ,' * Ice-cream and ,' ' Peaches 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 45 

and ,' * Crackers and ,' etc., the missing words 

being written on the girls' cards. 

" After all the cards had been drawn, the girls went 
alone into the dining-room and seated themselves at the 
table, taking care that every girl had a vacant seat be- 
side her. 

" Then the men entered, one at a time, and at the door 
of the dining-room each one read aloud what was writ- 
ten on his card, and the girl whose card completed his 
unfinished sentence was his partner at supper. Of course 

the man who said ' Bread and ' belonged to the girl 

who replied, ' Butter ' ; ' Pork and ' paired off 

with 'Beans'; 'Croquettes,' with * Peas,' 'Ice-cream,' 
with ' Cake ' ; ' Peaches,' with ' Cream ' ; ' Cheese,' 
with ' Crackers,' etc., and great amusement was caused 
by this highly original but appropriate way of seating 
the guests. 

" In the centre of the supper-table was a huge bowl of 
holly ; the doilies and centrepiece were embroidered 
with wreaths of the same ; and the candles and shades 
were bright red. In fact, every detail of the whole 
affair had been arranged with a view to its appropriate- 
ness, and the result was one of the most original 
entertainments that could be imagined." 

King Cotton^s Reception, or a Plantation Social 

Flowers of the cotton plant, in partial or full bloom, 
are to be desired, if obtainable, for decorations. Sheets 
of cotton batting may be arranged like snowbanks here 
and there, and may form the costume of the chairman 
of the committee, as King (or Queen) Cotton. The 



46 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

otheir members of the committee should wear cotton 
dresses. 

The main part of the evening's entertainment consists 
of tableaux, or shadow pictures on a sheet, representing 
scenes from Southern life. To this may be added a 
paper or talk on " The South of the Twentieth Century." 
A magazine story of plantation life may be read, and 
several of the better class of plantation melodies will be 
appreciated. These should be selected with care, to be 
entirely unobjectionable, but such songs as " Suwanee 
River" and " When the Cotton Fields Are White," the 
latter sung as a chorus, are among those found most 
appropriate. 

A ball of knitting-cotton, or crochet-cotton, may have 
quotations on slips of paper wound into it, after being 
twisted up into small compass. The ball may be passed 
from one to another, each unwinding until a quotation is 
reached. Refreshments of *' hoe-cake " or corn pone, 
hominy and syrup, or similar viands, may be served. 

L. M. H. 

An Evening with ** Jack*^ 

Invitations may read like ordinary reception cards, 
" To meet His Distinguished Highness, Jack." On 
arrival, the guests find the reception committee ready 
to introduce them to "Jack." But this takes time, 
as Jack is somewhat numerous. Beginning with the 
cheerful Jack o' Lantern in the hall, there should 
be Jack Frost, Jack Tar, Jack of All Trades, Jack 
o' Dreams, Jack Horner, Jack the Giant-Killer, Jack 
and Jill, Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack Sprat, Gen- 
eral Jacqueminot, Jack-Be-Nimble, etc., each dressed in 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 47 

character and representing by conversation and manner 
the particular Jack in question. A short, bright speech 
may be prepared, in which each Jack relates his adven- 
tures and connects them in some way with local happen- 
ings and the work of the society. Questions written on 
slips of paper may be distributed to assist the guests in 
their attempts at interviewing " his distinguished high- 
ness." 

Music may be introduced ; Jack Horner's pie may be 
served as refreshments, with Jack-Be-Nimble acting as 
waiter; and the games of jackstones and jackstraws, 
each on a separate table, can test the forgotten skill of 
the older people present, as well as amuse the younger 
ones. The evening may appropriately close with a vote 
of thanks to "Jack," or a slight gift to the one who has 
best represented his character. A jumping-jack might 
be chosen as a reward in this case. l. m. h. 

Chinese Social^ No« 2* 

'' An evening in China," given by the Endeavorers of 
the Wurto Street Baptist Church of Kingston, N. Y., is 
worth preserving as reported in The Golden Rule. 

" The room was prettily decorated. At one side was 
a pagoda tastefully draped with yellow and white bunt- 
ing. In the centre of the room there hung, a short dis- 
tance from the ceiling, a large Chinese parasol. At 
intervals along the side Chinese lanterns were fastened. 
Lanterns were also suspended from the ceiling near the 
sides of the room, and along the walls were fastened 
Chinese pictures, maps of that vast empire, and Chinese 
kites, made of white muslin and gayly decorated with 
bows of bright-colored tissue-paper. 



48 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

" During the evening a programme was rendered, all 
portions of which related to China. ' Miss Maloney on 
the Chinese Question ' was recited, and there were papers 
on ' The Chinese Empire,' ' The Manners and Customs 
of the Chinese,' * The Chinese Arts and Inventions,' 
and * The Religion of China.' By the use of the stere- 
opticon a young man dressed in Chinese costume exhib- 
ited pictures that helpfully illustrated these papers, 
accompanying them with an instructive talk. 

" From under the pagoda refreshments were served, 
consisting appropriately of rice and milk, tea and cocoa, 
banquet wafers, sliced oranges, cake, and dates. Five 
young men dressed in Chinese costume served these 
refreshments. Fifteen cents charged for the same ob- 
tained money for the purchase of a missionary library. " 



A Gate Socials 

This might be used as a Hallowe'en entertainment. 
Brief rhymed invitations are sent out, something like 
the following : — 

" You are asked to join in a frolic bright, 
To be held at Miss Brown's next Friday night. 
Come, let us persuade you to learn your fate 
On the other side of the mystic gate. 

Signed, The Y. P. S. C. E.'* 

A pen-and-ink design of a gate may be drawn on the 
upper left-hand corner of the invitation sheet. 

In a wide opening between two parlors, or between a 
parlor and a dining-room, arrange a floral gate. This 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 49 

may be made of wire, wound with evergreen, and flowers 
inserted. It must be made so that it will open and 
close, and may bear a small placard, " No swinging on 
this gate." 

The programme should begin early, and be very short. 
It may include music, one reading or recitation, and a 
paper or talk on San Francisco, the " City of the Golden 
Gate." Arrange partners for refreshments by using the 
list of " Thirty Gates" published in The Youth's 
Companion. 

Write the conundrums and answers upon different sets 
of cards shaped like gates. Pass one set to the young 
men and the other to the young women, and let each 
possessor of a question seek the answer, or vice versa. 
Here is the list : — 

What gate proclaims and publishes? Promulgate. 

What gate unyokes and sets free ? Abjugate. 

A gate of an inquiring turn : Interrogate. 

A gate which punishes severely : Castigate. 

A gate full of wrinkles : Corrugate. 

A gate which connects and classifies : Conjugate. 

A gate which acts as an ambassador : Legate. 

A gate which travels by water: Navigate. 

A gate which makes claims : Arrogate. 

A gate which repeals laws : Abrogate. 

A gate which increases in length : Elongate. 

A gate which goes to law : Litigate. 

A gate which soothes and alleviates : Mitigate. 

A gate which conquers and subdues : Subjugate. 

A gate which places itself under bonds : Obligate. 

A gate acting as a representative : Delegate. 

A gate which separates : Segregate. 



so EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

A gate which cleanses and purifies : Fumigate. 

A gate which sends people into exile : Relegate. 

A gate which waters : Irrigate. 

A gate of many colors : Variegate. 

A gate which assembles : Congregate. 

A gate which seeks knowledge : Investigate. 

A gate which produces its kind : Propagate. 

A gate which includes the whole : Aggregate. 

A gate which ties together : Alligate. 

A gate which deserts : Runagate. 

A gate which denies and rejects : Negate. 

A gate which sails the sea : Frigate. 

A gate of self-denial : Abnegate. 

Do not number the cards, but let the search, with the 
conversation involved, occupy a half-hour if necessary. 

During the refreshments which follow when all are 
seated, prepare the surprise of the evening, in the form 
of the tableau of " The Three Fates," arranged from 
the well-known picture. Have this in the room "- be- 
yond the mystic gate," which has been darkened until 
the proper time arrives. An impressive announcement 
is made, music is played softly, and a colored light will 
add greatly to the effect. 

Each guest then exchanges partners with his nearest 
neighbor, and a march follows, while all pass through 
the floral gateway and receive their " fortunes " or 
" fates " from the hand of a person concealed behind a 
curtain. These "fates "are written on slips of paper, 
and may be original or quoted, only so that they are of 
a prophetic nature. They may be written on dainty 
cards if preferred, and retained as souvenirs. 

L. M. H. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 5 I 

An Accidental SociaL 

This was held in the ( acci )dental parlors of Stewart 
Spencer, D. D. S. All who came were requested to 
tell of the most serious accident or narrowest escape 
that ever happened to them. At a social of this kind 
the games, conundrums, refreshments, etc., may be in- 
troduced at unexpected times, and there may be a 
reading of the delightful chapter on << Unexpected Com- 
pany," from J. M. Barrie's '^ Window in Thrums." 

A Klondike SociaL 

Photographs of arctic regions are on exhibition, and 
a series of numbered " Klondike conversation topics," 
prepared on note-sheets, is used, with the plan of chang- 
ing partners and topics every five minutes. The topics 
may be so worded as to conduct the conversers succes- 
sively through various adventures on an imaginary 
journey to the Klondike. When they reach this goal, 
the topics cease, and a hunt for nuggets begins. This 
takes place in an adjoining room decorated to represent 
a winter scene. 

The " nuggets " are nuts, fruits, candy, etc., hidden in 
every conceivable place. 

A Celebrity Social* 

Mount portraits of famous men and women, number 
them, hang them about the rooms ; have a correspond- 
ing list of numbers on the card passed each guest, for 
use in a guessing contest. A bright biographical sketch 



52 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

or two might be read in addition, or a series of anec- 
dotes of famous persons given. Decorate the winner 
of the contest with a ribbon badge, on which is a small 
medallion portrait of some noted person. Serve " celeb- 
rity cake " and lemonade, the importance of the cake 
consisting in the fact that it was made by one or 
several of the ladies present. 

This, with the two preceding socials, was reported in 
Onward as being given by the Young People's Chris- 
tian Union of Harriman, Tenn. They are given here 
with an additional touch or two. 

An Evening with Animals* 

( For the Juniors, Loyal Temperance Legion, etc.) 

This delights the children, and serves to interest all 
in the principles of kindness to dumb animals taught by 
the "Band of Mercy." Rhymed invitations are sent 
out, and tickets sold by the children at ^v^ cents each, 
or the invitations may themselves serve as tickets. 

A good stereopticon is the chief essential, and every 
society should possess one, as it can be used for a large 
variety of entertainments. For this occasion procure 
stereopticon plates of a number of different animals. 
No lecture or address is necessary ; but, as each animal's 
picture is displayed on the sheet, have a recitation or 
song by a Junior about the animal shown. One on " My 
Kitty," is given by a very little girl, who carries a Mal- 
tese kitten in her arms. Another is a reading from 
" Black Beauty," or some other suitable selection regard- 
ing the horse. Most of the literature containing these 
recitations can be procured of the Woman's Temper- 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 53 

ance Publishing Association, Chicago. We insert one 
additional one, however, which, taken in connection 
with the costume, is too good to omit. It is "The 
Travelling Monkey," recited by a little boy in a red 
cap and jacket, to represent the monkey. 

The evening closes with a distribution of fancy cakes 
or crackers, made in the form of animals, one to each 
child present, or to every one present, whether children 
or adults, if the society is generously inclined. 

The poem and invitation read as follows : — 

My master grinds an organ, 

And I pick up his money ; 
And when you see me doing it, 

You call it very funny. 

But though I dance and caper, still 

I feel at heart forlorn : 
I wish I were in monkey-land, 

The place where I was born. 

There grow the great green cocoanuts 

Around the palm-tree's crown ; 
I used to climb and pick them off, 

And hear them — crack ! — come down. 

There all day long the purple figs 

Are dropping from the bough ; 
There hang the ripe bananas ; O, 

I wish I had some now I 

I'd feast and feast and feast and feast, 

And you should have a share. 
How pleasant 't is in monkey-land 1 

O would that I were there I 



54 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

On some tall tree-top's highest bough, 

So high the clouds would sail 
Just over me, I wish that I 

Were swinging by my tail. 

I'd swing and swing and swing and swing ; 

How merry that would be I 
But, O ! a travelling monkey's life 

Is very hard for me. 

— Marian Douglas, 

" The fifteenth of April be sure to keep free. 
The L. T. L. begs, and the Junior C. E., 
Then you '11 be in the chapel at 7.30 ; 
And then at a signal will go down the light, 
And when it is dark you '11 see such a sight ! 
And hear stories pathetic and funny and bright ; 
While the whole dumb creation will parade on that night. 
And, when you have heard them offer their pleas, 
You '11 never be tempted again to tease 
This wonderful, beautiful animal nation, 
Which, may we remember, is God's own creation." 



A Forest SociaU 

Decorate with green vines, boughs, and foliage of all 
kinds; and, if available, a green, mossy-appearing rug 
or carpet will add greatly to the effect. Woodland 
flowers are appropriate ; there should be no others. 
" Robin Hood and his merry men " should be present, 
dressed in hunting-costume ; and a motion song by 
fairies or brownies would be pretty. The song of the 
*' Christmas Fairies " in the Christmas exercise used by 
many, with its " Tripping, tripping, lightly skipping " 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 55 

chorus, could be easily altered and adapted to the occa- 
sion. 

A witch in a long red cloak and a high pointed cap 
may prescribe . unique remedies for imaginary ills and 
troubles, as she is consulted by one and another of the 
company present. This could be made not only amusing 
but suggestive as a committee conference, if prepared 
beforehand instead of being impromptu. The various 
trials and discouragements of the society could be pre- 
sented, and the witch could have her replies in the form 
of rhymed quotations or original suggestions, witty 
and appropriate, ready to offer for the much-needed 
relief. 

Readings can be given, such as Bryant's '' Forest 
Hymn," and selections from " A Midsummer Night's 
Dream." If these two be chosen, they should be 
separated by one or two selections of instrumental 
music. 

The game of *' babes in the wood " may be prepared 
in advance as follows : Let some one who can draw 
fairly well sketch on cardboard the pictures of two 
wolves, two innocent-looking children, and t\vo fierce- 
looking ruffians. Cut out these figures, supply them 
with slight braces of the cardboard, that they may 
stand up ; make a little bow and arrow with which the 
guests are to endeavor in turn to shoot the wolves and 
the ruffians without knocking over the " babes." As the 
six figures are ranged in line, in the order to make this 
difficult, it is amusing to watch the contest. Any one 
shooting a wolf counts five to his credit ; a ruffian thus 
disposed of counts two ; and a " babe " knocked over 
means a loss of two counts. The game is won by the 



56 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

person who makes the best disposition of the three 
shots allowed him. 

Refreshments of nuts and fruit are served by the 
fairies or by Robin Hood and his men, and the singing 
of woodland songs concludes the evening. Should 
there be a good vocalist available, who could render the 
" Jenny Lind Bird Song " or a similar solo, it would be 
well, but is not necessary to success. l. m. h. 

A Village Impfovement Socials 

In connection with this plan, the committee will find 
much food for thought and enthusiasm in a previous 
study of Professor Henderson's book, " The Social 
Spirit in America," especially chapters 6 and 14. 

Collect photographs, engravings, or stereopticon views 
showing attractive parks, fountains, gardens, well-kept 
lawns, shady avenues, broad drives, and other scenery 
to bring out the idea of public improvements. Then 
have another collection of pictures showing a neglected, 
tumble-down condition of houses and fences, irregular, 
broken pavements, narrow alleys cluttered with barrels, 
rubbish, etc. If possible, have the same scenes photo- 
graphed " before and after taking " the methods of 
village improvement which you wish to urge. 

An original humorous poem or sketch may be read. 
Something after the " Ten Little Injuns " style might 
do, entitled " Ten Merry Bicyclists," for instance ; giv- 
ing an account of the successive mishaps that befell them 
through the sad condition of the streets. '' The Calf 
Path," by Sam Walter Foss, would also be a good 
selection, and a reading from " The Deserted Village." 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 5/ 

If it is desired to raise money for a fountain, distrib- 
ute dainty cards with a ribbon bow in the corner, one 
side blank, and the other side containing the picture of 
a fountain. Read aloud perhaps eight or ten poetical 
or scriptural quotations regarding fountains and water, 
or beauty and beautiful cities or streets. Let every one 
guess the source of the quotations, writing their guesses 
on the blank side of the card. The one who is found, 
on comparison, to have guessed correctly the largest 
number has the privilege of selecting a poem or other 
reading from some favorite author, to be read aloud. 

There may be two papers or addresses on the pur- 
pose of the evening ; one entitled " The Slough of 
Despond," and the other, "What to Do about It." 
Some one should explain the photographs, or give the 
stereopticon talk. The collection is taken toward the 
close ; simple refreshments are served, and the fountain 
cards are taken away as souvenirs. l. m. h. 

An Evening with Ceres« 

Decorate the rooms with ornamental grasses and 
grains. A young lady dressed as " Ceres," with classic 
Greek robe, girdle, sandals, hair arranged with Greek 
bandeaux and a wreath of wheat, acts as hostess. Let 
her conduct the following game, called " the garden of 
Ceres." Beginning with the remark, " Ceres is planting 
her garden," she asks each guest in turn what fruit, 
grain, or vegetable he will contribute. 

When all have replied, she asks each why his gift, 
as chosen, is appropriate in this particular society. One 
who gave an apple might reply, " Because, like Mr. A's 



58 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

recent, or hoped-for, donation to our treasury, it is a 
windfall." One who gave a grapevine might say, " Be- 
cause its fruit always appears in clusters, like our com- 
mittees." Or the one giving a potato, " The most valuable 
part is hidden from view, like the lookout committee 
conferences," etc. Any one failing to give a prompt 
and satisfactory answer must take the place of Ceres in 
the game. 

There may be a reading, " Indian Corn in Colonial 
Times," from The Chautauquan of March, 1898; a 
selection from " Hiawatha," or Sidney Lanier's poem 
on " Corn " ; a short practical talk by a vegetarian, on 
the value of various health foods, especially of cereals ; 
and at the close there might be a sale of such foods, both 
in packages and daintily prepared ; or the latter may be 
served free as " samples," and a small recipe-book given 
to each guest as a souvenir. Close with singing selec- 
tions such as *' Song to September" or the hymns from 
" The Finest of the Wheat." l. m. h. 

A Midwinter Excursion* 

Partial credit for this is given to Ida Upham in 
The Household for March, 1898. 

Everything in connection with this evening must be 
carried out in a most picnic-like way. Where it was 
once held, the invitations read : — 

You are requested to join an excursion to the Catskill 
Mountains, December 28,1897. The train leaves " Lynden," 
Westerleigh, at 7.48 p.m. Single tickets, one smile; round- 
trip tickets, one smile and a hand-shake. 



G.P.&T.A. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS 59 

As the guests entered, the host (or hostess) collected 
the fares, and the tickets, which were numbered, were 
given to the gentlemen, the ladies receiving cards num- 
bered in duplicate. Partners were secured accordingly, 
and it was announced that the train could wait no 
longer. The "train" consisted of two rows of chairs 
arranged like seats in a Pullman car. The tickets 
resembled a coupon ticket, the heading reading thus : — 

N.Y.C.&H.R.R.R. 

Round-trip ticket 

Between 

New York 

and 

Catskill, N. Y. 



G.P.&T.A. 

In place of coupons were written ten different subjects 
to be discussed by the travellers, each subject being 
allotted three minutes. At the expiration of the time 
the conductor rung his bell and called, " Change cars." 
The ladies remained seated, while the gentlemen, all of 
whom were seated on the same side, progressed one 
seat ahead. The subjects for conversation were as 
follows : — 

1. Relative advantages of shore and mountain 
vacations. 

2. Discuss the last book you have read. 

3. Should summer flirtations be encouraged? 

4. If Columbus had not discovered America, where 
would we be at? 

5. Which is more useful, electricity or steam ? 



6o EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

6. Does football pay ? 

7. Are men more extravagant than women ? 

8. Which is more enjoyable, boating or wheeling ? 

9. Who are the old women in " Mother Goose's 
Melodies ? " 

10. Why is a man like his shoe ? 
The conductor called upon one of the company to 
read the following. 

MAN AND HIS SHOES. 

How much a man is like his shoes ! 

For instance, both a sole may lose. 

Both have been tanned. Both are made tight 

By cobblers. Both get left and right, 

Both need a mate to be complete, 

And both are made to go on feet. 

They both need healing, oft are sold, 

And both in time will turn to mould. 

With shoes the last is first ; with men 

The first shall be the last ; and, when 

The shoes wear out, they're mended new : 

When men wear out, they're men dead, too. 

They both are trod upon, and both 

Will tread on others, nothing loath. 

Both have their ties, and both incline, 

When polished, in the world to shine. 

And both peg out. Now would you choose 

To be a man or be his shoes t 

When these subjects had all been discussed, the 
conductor announced the arrival at the " Mountain 
House." The excursion was to last three days, and a 
large programme on the wall read as follows : — 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 6 1 

Wednesday : Trip to the " Mountain House." 
Thursday^ A. M. : Stalking the deer. P. M. : Music. 
Friday^ A. M. : Picnic. Fishing, Lunch. 
P. M. : Farewell Reception. 

" Stalking the deer " was carried out by a general 
hunt for a toy deer concealed somewhere about the 
room. Each one, on discovering it, immediately seated 
himself. The deer may be presented to the person 
first finding it. Either music or recitations may be 
introduced for entertainment. Fishing consisted of 
securing partners for lunch. The ladies being con- 
cealed behind a sheet, the gentlemen fished for them 
with a line attached to a pole, each lady in turn taking 
hold of the line, and thus being captured. The lunch- 
table was covered with green tissue-paper, representing 
grass, and decorated with smilax. The refreshments 
were served in baskets each containing lunch for two. 
In them may be placed paper napkins, sandwiches, 
pickles, and boiled eggs, preferably devilled eggs, as 
they make a pretty appearance. Cake and ice-cream 
may also be served, and lemonade for cooling drink. 
A lemonade well may be tastefully arranged with green 
paper and smilax. 

The farewell reception may be a game in which all 
may join; for instance, parlor quoits, or pitch-the-ring, 
each person trying his hand. If desired, a slight reward 
of skill may be given to the person making the best 
count in the game. The invitation and ticket may be 
signed, " Chairman of the Social Committee." 

B. H. M. 



62 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 



An Evening of Characteristics. 

This was arranged by a literary club, but with slight 
local variations would be enjoyable in most societies, 
from beginning to end. The invitations were as fol- 
lows : — 

You are asked to come on Friday, May the twentieth, at 

eight, 
And present your smiling countenance at the Manse's postern 

gate. 
But, as in fact there is n't one, no one must take offence 
If the latchstring's only hanging out in a figurative sense. 

So put on your " bib and tucker " fine, your *^ war-paint and 

your feathers," 
And wend your cheery way up there, no matter what the 

weather's ! 
You'll meet a company of friends from round about the 

Park; 
And, unless we greatly miss our guess, we'll have a jolly 

lark. 

The pastor and his wife have loaned their broad ancestral 

hall. 
And a warm and hearty greeting will be there accorded all. 
There '11 be a " feast of reason " spread, to give your wits a 

rub. 
And you will be the welcome guest of 

The Duodecimo Club. 

A short programme was rendered, opened by a bright 
address, after which twenty minutes were given to cur- 
rent events, four topics being assigned to as many 
persons beforehand for a five-minute talk each. This 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 63 

was followed by a paper on " Wit, Humor, and Pathos." 
Conversation was general for a half -hour or longer, after 
which two games were introduced. The first was the 
game of " characteristics." Each guest was supplied 
with a card containing a list of " characteristics," each 
descriptive of some noted person, with a blank space 
opposite for the celebrity's name. The guests were to 
fill in the names, aided by the fact that the names bore 
the same initials as the " characteristics." 

At the close of the time the cards changed hands; 
the correct list was read aloud for purposes of com- 
parison, and the most successful contestants (one lady 
and one gentleman) were presented respectively with 
a miniature flag and a sword. These naturally led to a 
march, which proved a spirited one. With the refresh- 
ments were passed the thinnest and daintiest of white 
paper napkins, with violets painted in one corner. 

Another game played was "telegrams." Each one 
present was required to write a telegram of ten words, 
these words to begin with ten specified letters, used in 
the order given, or in any order preferred. 

A Patriotic SociaL 

" Uncle Sam " or " Columbia " in appropriate cos- 
tume may receive the guests. Flags and bunting should 
decorate the walls, together with portraits of famous 
Americans, which may be made an occasion for a 
guessing contest. Have a " post-office," the letters 
consisting of extracts from patriotic speeches, or the 
latest war news, enclosed in envelopes of red, white, 
and blue, or with a flag in one corner ; or, if convenient, 



64 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

in the envelopes sometimes to be had, that are them- 
selves simply representations of the American flag. 
The following programme has been rendered on one 
such occasion: — 

Chorus. ** The Star-Spangled Banner." 

Recitation. " Independence Bell." 

Solo. " The Dying Soldier," or " The Soldier's Farewell," 

an adaptation of " Ehren on the Rhine." 
Recitation. " Old Ironsides." 

Reading. " The Antiquity of Freedom." Bryant. 
Chorus. *' Red, White, and Blue." 

Other choruses might be added or substituted, such 
as " Fair Native Land," " Flag of Our Country," or 
" The Soldiers' Chorus." 

A list of historic battles, with the generals command- 
ing them, should be prepared in advance. The name 
of each battle may be written on a slip of paper or 
miniature flag, and the name of the commanding gen- 
eral, correspondingly numbered, on another slip or flag. 
These may be passed and matched to arrange partners 
for refreshments, which may consist of saltines, cheese, 
and phosphate of wild cherry. 

A Fragaria Virginiana ReveL 

This is simply a strawberry festival in very thin but 
pleasing disguise. Small tables are prettily spread with 
white covers ; tissue-paper napkins, either all white or 
pink-bordered, are used ; and centrepieces of roses and 
trailing vines add a charming effect. There may be a 
short musical programme, also a recitation or two, if 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 



6S 



desired; but the all-important strawberry, with its 
accessories and its classical name, forms the main 
attraction. The invitations, prepared by any convenient 
duplicating process, are in antique English lettering as 
well as phraseology, and are suitably illustrated. They 
may read like the following copy of a form designed by 
Mr. Knight L. Clapp : — 










9tvtii^-«<itf Wt«t-<ii»U th^iv^^ 






jif Ra&flRifl i liR&miflWfl mvEL' w. »• 

/^RE:->ifREByN0T(ri^Il-2<CfijOiflCt)*T<>T^TT^tJa3"^ 
>?a^«r. pwn ©f Ostracism [i-e4bs^iil|.t«|^iVoii^] 
^^^^cral • r*a.r e • SjlVfc io\^Va.n«Ji ^J- 

on- <2;chibi|iof2. &.mag b&- pv'fch.af ed- 3^1; -^^• 
rfed\^cci;pnc«f^«> b^-dev>ov)red- or2tfie pfem- 
raJ^ojz-^ood- or: iff. fiC3,l(h--^e.K^nd^hi.t 



"^ 






cj 7 «J -o) I 



cq «o -*' 



n 






66 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

An Evening with Authors* 

Collect twenty-five or thirty pictures of noted au- 
thors. These may usually be cut out of magazines. 
Write underneath each a number, and a more or less 
familiar quotation from the author's works. Pin them 
around the sides of the room, on walls and curtains; 
and give to each guest a card bearing the list of num- 
bers, to be filled out with the authors' names. This 
contest, in which no help may be given or received, is 
made more interesting than many, as well as somewhat 
less difficult, by the clew which the quotations furnish. 
Each contestant must write his name on his card. 

At the close of the time allowed, the cards are ex- 
changed, the complete list read aloud, and all correct 
answers checked. The writer of the best list receives 
a small book or other appropriate reward. A reading 
from some popular author and a musical selection may 
be added for variety. 

To arrange partners for refreshments, have numbered 
slips of paper passed to each guest, containing either 
the name of a noted author or the name of his native 
town. These are matched, and a march may be intro- 
duced. Souvenirs might be given, consisting of quota- 
tions written on cards of fancy shape, like a star or a 
pansy, with a tiny ribbon bow by which to attach it to 
the dress. For the central idea of this social, the 
authors' portrait gallery, we are indebted to Miss 
Euphemia P. Gregory. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 6/ 

Grandmotiier Gray^s Reception* 

This is a shadow social. Send out brief invitations 
on pearl-gray cards. The guests are received by " Grand- 
mother Gray," represented by some bright young lady, 
preferably one with dimples and an especially youthful 
countenance. She should be dressed in sober gray, 
with spectacles, cap, powdered hair, and prim kerchief 
or shawl. After greeting the guests individually, she 
makes a short speech, promising to introduce them to a 
fine collection of silhouettes by a famous artist. 

While the shadow pictures are being prepared, have 
the lights turned low, and have softly played instrumental 
music, and one or two *' twilight songs," such as "In 
Shadow Land," or " Love's Old, Sweet Song," as a solo, 
and " In the Starlight" as a duet. 

The following suggestions for shadow scenes, having 
been tested with considerable success, are contributed 
by an Ohio friend. Miss Nellie E. Wanzer. 

" A large white screen was hung, a bright light placed 
behind the screen, and the lights in the audience-room 
turned very low. The actors stood or sat between the 
bright light and the screen, so that the audience could 
see only their shadows. These were intended to be 
comic rather than pretty, and made a change from tab- 
leaux. My programme contained five shadow scenes. 
* A Swell Affair ' was represented by a young man 
nursing a huge swelling on his face ; the bunch was 
made by binding on a large ball of cotton with a hand- 
kerchief. For *Wash Day,' a little girl rubbed vigor- 
ously upon a doll's dress, holding it up frequently for 
inspection. ' The Surgical Operation ' consisted in saw- 



68 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

ing off a pasteboard arm, which had previously been 
sewed to a boy's coat. This made as good a shadow as 
a real arm, and he held his own arm behind him in such 
a way that it cast no shadow upon the screen. The 
audience could hear the saw, as well as see its shadow, 
as the operation proceeded; and the excitement was 
great when the surgeon waved the severed member 
above his head in a most heartless manner. * Going to 
the Train ' was illustrated by a troop of people hurrying 
along with baskets, umbrellas, satchels, a violin-case, 
and various other encumbrances. Its sequel, ' On the 
Train,' was represented by a young man hurrying to 
pass a young lady, and in his haste setting his foot 
upon her train. She cast an angry glance over her 
shoulder, and he lifted his hat apologetically. One 
might add to these a great variety of representations 
which would be unique and striking." 

A skein-winding contest may be held, in which six or 
more skeins of gray yarn, each held by a partner, are 
wound into balls, those first completing their balls 
receiving some pretty trifle of gray hue, decorated as 
gayly as you please. Refreshments of doughnuts, sand- 
wiches, and coffee may be served. 

A Cuban SociaL 

Decorate the rooms with American and Cuban 
flags. Patriotic music should be interspersed throughout 
the evening. 

By special permission of the author, we quote the 
words of " Cuba, the Pearl of the Ocean," by Dr. 
William H. Putnam. It was first sung by Mrs. Putnam 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 69 

at a large gathering at the Westerleigh Auditorium, 
Staten Island, on Memorial Day, 1898. An audience 
of three thousand greatly appreciated the song, which 
has since appeared in The School Jourrial. It was sung 
originally to the air of " Red, White, and Blue," but has 
been set to special music, which can be procured by 
addressing Dr. Putnam, at 63 Fifth Avenue, New York 
City. 

CUBA, THE PEARL OF THE OCEAN. 

For Cuba, the pearl of the ocean, 

A land of the noble and brave, 
We give what we have with a blessing, 

This gem, with its beauty, to save ; 
We call from the North the great Dewey, 

To strike for its freedom a blow. 
He sees with the eye of an eagle 

The far-distant flag of the foe. 



All cheer for the brave boys in blue ! 
All cheer for the brave boys in blue ! 

The navy and Dewey forever, 
All cheer for the brave boys in blue ! 

The sun in its splendor has driven 

The mists from the bay of Manilla ; 
The men are all eager for action ; 

They challenge the Spanish flotilla; 
But back comes the word of defiance, 

In signs of deep anger and hate ; 
The guns are made ready for freedom, 

The signal of peace comes too late. — Cho. 

" Fire when you are ready," said he, 
And the world applauds Dewey to-day ; 



^0 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

In a far-away tropical clime 

Our flag has been hoisted to stay, 
The pride of the young and the old. 

On the Olympia he stood, brave and true ; 
The navy and Dewey forever, 

All cheer for the brave boys in blue ! — Cho. 

The programme may include a short stereopticon talk 
on Cuba, a reading from " The Spaniard in History," 
published by the Funk & Wagnalls Company, New 
York ; a paper on " The Reconcentrado ; '' an appro- 
priate poem or magazine story, founded on incidents of 
the war ; and a description of the Red Cross work, with 
an appeal for funds, if a collection is to be taken for the 
Cuban sufferers. 

Games may be introduced, also founded on incidents 
connected with Cuban history. " The Rescue of Miss 
Cisneros " might be played as follows : Prepare a list 
of questions on the war, or on some other subject, and 
have a " question-match," conducted like the regulation 
spelling-match. The leader on each side must be a 
lady, the one presiding over the winning side at the 
close being declared " Miss Cisneros," and immediately 
captured by the losing side, or Spaniards, who surround 
her and form a <' prison " by clasping hands. The other 
side then begin to ply the Spaniards with questions, 
which must be answered immediately, and without using 
the words "yes," "no," or "I." The first failure to 
comply with these rules breaks down the prison bars, 
releases the captive, and ends the game. 

"The Bombardment of Morro Castle" may be con- 
ducted with the aid of ninepins or chessmen grouped 
together at one end of a long board, with two slightly 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. /I 

larger, or different from the rest, each representing 
Morro Castle. Balls are rolled toward the goal. An 
ordinary pin knocked over counts one ; and Morro 
Castle, at either side, counts five. 

"Dewey at Manilla," "Sampson at Santiago," and 
" Hobson's choice " are games which might be added. 
For the first, have a target of some kind, — an improvised 
one might be made of strong manilla paper ; and aim at 
the harbor in the centre, which is surrounded with 
" mines," indicated by numbers or dots. Of course, the 
endeavor is to enter the harbor without encountering 
the mines, and the counts are arranged accordingly. 

" Sampson at Santiago " may be any game where the 
players are divided into two sides. A bombardment of 
conundrums, or a memory or pronouncing test, followed 
by forfeits, would be appropriate ; or the game of "pro- 
gressive spelling " described in connection with the 
" due tea." The losing side as a whole should be 
" bottled up " by being sent into an adjoining room wnth 
orders to prepare a song, a joke, or some specific feature 
of impromptu entertainment. 

For " Hobson's choice," have one person leave the 
room, and the rest think of some object. The absent 
one, or " Hobson," is then recalled, and proceeds to 
guess the article thought of. Ten questions and three 
guesses are allowed him if the article is in sight ; twenty 
questions and three guesses, if it is not. When he 
leaves the safer course of questioning, and boldly ven- 
tures on the few guesses permitted, he is said to be 
" sinking the Merrimac." If he exhausts his resources 
without success, he is said to be captured by the Span- 
ish, which ends the game. Rewards may be a miniature 



72 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

sword, or some article from Cuba. Provide each guest 
with a tiny Cuban flag, or hide them about the room and 
have a general hunt for them. Play a stirring march 
and let the guests march into the refreshment-room, 
where cake or wafers, lemonade, and tropical fruits may 
be served. The tissue napkins may be decorated with 
a Cuban flag in one corner. l. m. h. 

An Evening with the Fairies* 

( For the Juniors. ) 

Rhymed invitations on dainty cards, with the picture 
of a fairy or brownie on the envelope, may be sent. 
The rooms or hall may be decorated in green and silver. 
Tables may contain fancy articles made by the children, 
but these may be hidden with green covers, to look like 
mossy banks, till after the programme. This consists of 
several recitations and bright, sparkling little songs, espe- 
cially motion songs, by the children dressed in fairy and 
brownie costumes. Then uncover the tables and have 
a sale of the articles, including refreshments ; or an admis- 
sion price may be charged and refreshments served free. 

The magic number seven, being a favorite with the 
fairies, should be brought in as often as possible in all 
the arrangements; each departing guest may be pre- 
sented with a fairy talisman or charm, warranted to 
preserve good humor, consisting of an invitation to the 
Junior meetings. l. m. h. 

Ching Lee^s Unworthy Compliments* 

Another Chinese social, preferably a lawn social for 
the Fourth of July. The invitation is suggested by a 
slightly different one in The Mission Dayspring, and 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 



71 



must be read as the Chinese read, beginning at the 
upper right-hand corner, and reading downward. 







J 


T 


A 


C 




^ 


U 


U 


N 


H 






L 


E 


D 


I 






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4th 


& 


E 


S 






& 




A 


E 






Sth 


w 


S 










E 


T 


P 








D 




R 
O 
C 








E 




E 








V 




S 








E 




s 
I 
o 

N 


o' 


eve 


the 


al 


nifi 


Ching 


clock 


ning 


chap 


pro 


cance 


Lee 


amid 


Ju 


el 


ces 


with 


pre 


an 


ly 


door 


sion 


your 


sents 


ex 


Fourth 


led 


of 


es 


his 


plo 


and 


by 


the 


teem. 


un 


sion 


will 


the 


Maj 


ed 


worthy 


of 


reach 


band 


es 


pres 


com 


fire 


the 


torch 


tic 


ence 


pli 


works 


White 


bear 


Or 


and 


ments 


Fee 


Tern 


ers 


der 


shed 


pray 


op 


pie 


and 


of 


your 


ing 


tion 


which 


sol 


the 


hght 


you 


al 


faces 


diers 


Sun 


on 


to 


with 


on 


at 


The 


the 


hon 


each 


the 


eight 


pro 


oc 


or 


guest 


pub 


o' 


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ca 


our 


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clock 


sion 


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dis 


charge 


road 


on 


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agree 


made 


at 


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start 


the 


able 


at 


9 


day 


from 


roy 


in 


the 










sig 


4oor 













74 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

Decorate the lawn and entrance with Chinese lanterns, 
and the chapel or church parlors with yellow draperies, 
Chinese parasols, and fans, etc. The reception com- 
mittee may wear Chinese costume, not forgetting the 
cue. Each guest is given a piece of a card, bearing 
either a question or an answer on subjects pertaining to 
China and Chinese missions. When the questions and 
answers are successfully combined, by the aid of num- 
bers if the questions are difficult, the pianist strikes up 
a march and the procession starts. After marching 
several times around the rooms, hall, and porch, giving 
opportunity to admire the decorations, the procession is 
brought to a halt at a convenient place from which to 
view the fireworks. Two or three short speeches, patri- 
otic in character, but especially comparing America and 
China, may be introduced, and the evening closes with 
the ^' feast" of cake or wafers with ice-cream, followed 
by a collection of voluntary contributions for the benefit 
of Chinese missions. l. m. h. 

A Christmas Social. 

"In the centre of the dining-table, which was covered 
with a snow-white cloth, and around the edge of which 
was a border of burning white candles, stood a large 
white bowl, the top of which was closed over with a 
crust of white tissue-paper. Protruding from this and 
hanging gracefully over the edge of the bowl were a 
number of white ribbons, one for each person present, 
and a few extras for the absentees. On the exposed 
ends of each of these was pinned a number, and to the 
hidden end was attached a small gift. Each one present 
had been given earlier in the evening a card upon which 



EIGHTY PLEASANT E VENINGS. 75 

was written a number, and all that now remained for 
each member to do was to find the ribbon numbered to 
correspond, and to rescue his trophy from the inside of 
the pudding. The effect of the pure white arrangements 
throughout was pretty beyond description." 

The above is an extract from Otto A. Wehrle's " His- 
tory of the Hurlbut Circle," of East Boston, in The 
Chautauquan for May, 1898. It was the custom of the 
circle to celebrate Christmas by the exchange of little 
tokens, the price of which was limited to the sum of ten 
cents each. At another time the gifts were placed in 
the foot of an immense stocking, which, when suspended 
from the chandelier, more than touched the floor by 
about three feet. It was brought from China by a mem- 
ber or friend of the circle. This must have been strik- 
ing, but the ^'pudding" is more easily obtained, and 
with its white ribbons might very appropriately be used 
by the Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 
Quotations from Christmas or temperance literature 
might be inserted in the packages or attached to the 
ribbons ; or a short programme may precede the dishing- 
out of the " pudding." 

An Eggs=ellent Plan. 

The young people of the Baptist Church of Eaton- 
town, N. J., gave an egg-supper <' to help eggs-haust the 
church debt." It is thus described by The Baptist 
Union : ^' The * admission eggs-pence' was < eggs-actly 
two eggs,' and the supper was twenty-five cents. The 
supper consisted of eggs in various forms and in combi- 
nation with various other foods, the printed menu 
requiring more or less conjecture on the part of the one 



J 6 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

ordering as to what the articles mentioned might prove 
to be, ' egg-salt-ation ' meaning ham and eggs, etc. All 
were urged to ' eggs-ert yourself to come and eggs-amine 
for yourself. Eggs-it at your pleasure.' " 

An Echo Meeting. 

The following programme may be used at an echo 
meeting of any national or State convention. 

It will be better if a delegate from the society has 
attended the convention ; but, as the daily papers give 
full accounts and most official papers publish convention 
numbers, this programme can be arranged even if no 
one has been present. 

Let the decorations be in the prevailing colors of the 
decorations at the convention. Arrange that the singing 
be some of the same songs that were sung at the con- 
vention. Make extracts from the annual address of 
the president, and from other addresses made there, 
those given by gentlemen to be read or recited by young 
men ; those by ladies, by young women. Let the dele- 
gate give a running account of the convention, or pre- 
pare such an account from the official paper, with the 
names of the distinguished visitors. 

Close with the same service used in closing the con- 
vention, or, as in the National Woman's Christian Tem- 
perance Union Convention, with all clasping hands and 
singing, " God be with you till we meet again." 

E. A. B. 

A Pfogfesshrc SociaL 
An enjoyable and instructive programme for a "pro- 
gressive social " is described by Mr. A. M. Harris, as 
follows ; — 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 7/ 

Cut from magazines, papers, and other sources one 
hundred and twenty pictures to illustrate different sub- 
jects, say as follows : — 

Pictures of twelve well-known poets. 

Pictures of twelve well-known inventors. 

Pictures of twelve well-known divines. 

Pictures of twelve well-known women. 

Pictures of twelve well-known rulers. 

Pictures of twelve well-known statesmen. 

Pictures of twelve well-known advertisements. (Of 
course there must be nothing on the advertisement 
itself to indicate what the advertisement represents.) 

Pictures of twelve well-known books. (See special 
explanation below.) 

Pictures of twelve well-known writers. (Not poets.) 

Pictures of twelve well-known musicians. 

By referring to the illustrations representing books the 
nature of the illustrations may be shown ; for example : — 

A picture of a boy holding a hoe, which would repre- 
sent " Ivanhoe." 

A staircase on which might be pasted a Cupid 
walking up the stairs, would represent " Stepping 
Heavenward." 

The picture of a fine-looking colored woman would 
represent " Black Beauty." 

Pictures of sailing-vessels in the moonlight might rep- 
resent "- Ships That Pass in the Night." 

The picture of a corset might represent " The Deer 
(dear) Slayer." 

After all of these cuttings have been prepared they 
should be neatly pasted on pieces of white cardboard 
about four inches by six. 



78 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

Then they should be sorted into groups, each twelve 
by themselves, and all the **poet" cards, for example, 
marked "Table No. i, Poets.'' 

These twelve cards should be numbered from i 
to 12 inclusive. The other sets should be numbered 
in the same way, running up to and including Table 
No. 10. 

There should also be prepared cards to be used by 
the guests in writing their answers. In the centre of 
Table No. i would be placed a package of cards all 
marked at the top " Table No. i," and with blank lines 
numbered from i to 12 inclusive, with a place at the 
bottom for the writer to sign his name. There should 
be a package of cards placed on each table numbered 
in the same way, but having the proper table designa- 
tion at the top. 

The cards for each table should be divided into four 
packages of three each, turned face down. 

The guests then take their seats, four at each table. 
Each guest then picks up one of the small cards from 
the centre of the table, and signs his name at the 
bottom; then at a given signal each guest picks up 
the three cards in front of him and writes on the smaller 
card opposite the proper number his answer. For exam- 
ple, the guest at Table No. i holding cards i, 2, and 3 
would write the answers on the small cards on the lines 
numbered i, 2, and 3. 

At the end of two minutes the bell is tapped for a sig- 
nal that each guest is to pass his cards to the next one, 
at the same table, at his left. Two minutes more are 
given to write the answers to the cards which the guests 
now hold, and then they are again passed in the same 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 79 

way. Each guest thus has eight minutes to write the 
answers for the twelve cards at his table. 

The cards are then turned face down, and those sitting 
at Table No. 10 move up to Table No. 9, those at No. 
9 up to Table No. 8 and so on, those at Table No. i 
coming back to Table No. 10. 

The guests then take new cards from the centre of 
the table and sign their names before beginning, the 
object being to avoid forgetting to sign their names, as 
would be apt to be the case if their names were not 
written until after all of the answers had been put 
down. 

It will be seen that, aside from the time necessary to 
change from table to table, it will require eighty minutes 
for each guest to write the answers to the one hundred 
and twenty different cards. 

These cards should then be collected and assorted by 
tables, and the answers checked over to see who has 
given the greatest number of correct answers. 

It will also be noticed that on the basis of the above 
number of tables, it will require four hundred and eighty 
small cards to carry out the entire programme. 

The following partial list of well-known poets, inven- 
tors and women may be of use : — 



POETS. 

Edmund Spenser. 
Alfred Austin. 

Eugene Field. 9. 

James Whitcomb Riley. 10. 

Robert Browning. 1 1 

J. G. Whittier. 12 



Robert Burns. 
James Russell Lowell. 
William Cull en Bryant. 
Walt Whitman. 
William Wordsworth. 
Lord Tennyson. 



8o EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

INVENTORS. 

1. Cyrus McCormick. 7. Prof. Eli Thompson. 

2. Thomas A. Edison. 8. Capt. John Ericsson. 

3. George H. Corliss. 9. Samuel Colt. 

4. Prof. Alexander G. Bell. 10. S. F. B. Morse. 
Howard A. Harvey. 11. Elias Howe. 
Nikola Tesla. 12. Erastus B. Bigelow. 

WOMEN. 

1. Susan B. Anthony. 7. Helen Hunt Jackson. 

2. Elizabeth C. Stanton. 8. Mary A. Livermore. 

3. Frances E. Willard. 9. Clara Barton. 

4. Lady Henry Somerset. 10. Florence Nightingale. 

5. Rosa Bonheur. 11. Elizabeth S. Phelps. 

6. Mrs. Potter Palmer. 12. Lady Aberdeen. 

A Twisted SociaL 

Notes of invitation should be twisted into fancy 
shapes, instead of being inserted in envelopes. They 
should give no indication of the evening's programme, 
beyond the mere fact that it is to be a twisted social. 

Festoon long paper ribbons of different colors about 
the room, in as many " twists " as possible, have the cur- 
tains and draperies arranged with a twisted effect, and 
a large card hung up in a conspicuous place, bearing 
the words, " All Kinds of Twisting and Turning Done 
Here." Place the chairs in a circle, with each alternate 
one turned in the opposite direction, and play the game 
of "- scandal," or a similar one, requiring each to whis- 
per something to his neighbor. The backs of the 
chairs forming the line of the circle, there will be con- 
siderable twisting and turning of heads as the game 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 8 1 

goes on. Follow this with two tests, one of pronuncia- 
tion, the other of memory. 

The first, or " tongue-twister," may be a sentence, or 
brief conversation, such as the following : " Ay, we hae 
Wei-hae-wei." " Hae we ? " *' Ay, we hae." The cele- 
brated Peter Piper, with his " peck of pickled peppers," 
may be added, and any others desired, each "tongue- 
twister " going the rounds. To pronounce it three times 
in succession, with great rapidity and without a mistake, 
is the aim. 

The " memory-twister " is somewhat similar, but in 
this the rapidity is dispensed with. A list of sentences 
being prepared, the leader pronounces the first one 
slowly and distinctly. Each player pronounces it in 
turn. The leader then repeats it also, adding the second 
one to it. When this combination has gone the rounds, 
the leader takes the first, second, and third sentences ; 
and so on until the whole list has been given. As each 
person drops out of the game with his first lapse of 
memory, the player continuing to the end of the list, 
or coming nearest to it without a mistake, wins the 
game. Here is a list suggested ; we do not know its 
original source : — 

One old ostrich ordering oranges. 

Two timid toads trying to trot to Tarrytown. 

Three terrible, thumping tigers tickling trout. 

Four fat friars fanning flickering flames. 

Five frivolous foreigners fleeing from fabulous furies. 

Six Scottish soldiers successively shooting snipe. 

Seven serious Southerners setting sail from Switzer- 
land. 

Eight eager emigrants earnestly examining elements. 



82 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

Nine nimble noblemen nibbling nuts. 

Ten tremendous tomtits twittering on the tops of 
three tall trees. 

Eleven enormous elephants elegantly eating Easter 
eggs. 

Twelve tired tailors thoughtfully twisting twine. 

Or another one, without the aid of alliteration : — 

A good fat hen. 

Two ducks. 

Three plump partridges. 

Four squawking wild geese. 

Five hundred Limerick oysters. 

Six pairs of Don Alphonso's tweezers. 

Seven hundred Macedonian horsemen, rank and file 
drawn up in order of battle. 

Eight cages of He, Hi, Ho, bibulous sparrow kites. 

Nine floating fly-boats floating from Fort Manilus to 
Damascus, laden with flowers and fruit. 

Ten diacaustic, dogmatic, diathetic, parallel proposi- 
tions proposed to be received by all mankind. 

A question match, the game of telegrams, conun- 
drums, or any intellectual game may be introduced as a 
"brain-twister." If rewards are given, they may be of 
basket-work, wire, or other material woven into some 
pretty trifle of twisted form ; and the booby prize may 
be a stick of twisted candy. 

A short programme may include the reading of " An 
Unfortunate Trellis," from " Platform Pearls " ; the song 
" Twisting and Turning," often rendered by the Silver 
Lake Quartette ; and a bright address by the pastor or 
some leading temperance worker, on "Twisted Con- 
sciences." Serve refreshments of twisted cakes and 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 83 

lemonade, in glasses with a spiral pattern, if convenient ; 
and the paper napkins should be folded in a tsvisted 
form. L. M. H. 

A Eugene Field Evening* 

(For the Juniors.) 

The following programme has been found success- 
ful:— 

Piano Solo. 

Sketch of the life and writings of Eugene Field. 
Recitation. " The Rock-a-by Lady." 
Recitation. " Booh 1 " 
Recitation. " Picnic Time." 
Violin Solo or vocal solo by a Junior. * 
Recitation. "So, So, Rock-a-by So." 
Recitation. " Googly Goo." 
Recitation. '' The Ride to Bumpville." 
Recitation. " The Cunnin' Little Thing." 
Music. 

The sketch of Eugene Field's life may be found in 
McClure's Magazine for January, 1896. All of the 
poems are in the collection entitled " Love Songs of 
Childhood," by Eugene Field. b. h. m. 

A Marine Social* 

Drape the walls with blue-green, to suggest a back- 
ground the color of the sea. Cover a table with the 
same color, and on it place a collection of odd shells, 
bits of coral, and other sea-beach or submarine curios. 
Music may include a cornet or violin solo ; " Rocked in 
the Cradle of the Deep," with variations, would be 



84 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

effective. " Sailing,'' or similar songs, may be added, 
and a poem or two like the " Chambered Nautilus." 
Two or three brief papers or talks on such subjects as 
" Father Ocean's Treasures," "- Ships of the Twentieth 
Century," " A Submarine Voyage," etc., may be made 
interesting, interspersed with as many appropriate songs 
and recitations. Especially charming is the motion song, 
" Little Wavelets," for which you would need to enlist 
half a dozen or more of the little girls from the Sunday 
school primary class, unless the Juniors are small enough. 
They must wear little white caps, which should be 
made alike, if possible ; and, if sea-green cambric dresses 
could be provided also, the effect of the rippling wave- 
lets, with their white caps, would be heightened. 

Following are the words of the song ; we do not 
know its origin. The music can be procured at the 
kindergarten supply stores, or would doubtless be famil- 
iar to almost any kindergarten teacher. 

LITTLE WAVELETS. 

Once I got into a boat — 

Such a pretty, pretty boat, — 
Just as the day was dawning ; 

And I took a little oar, 

And I rowed away from shore, 
So very, very early in the morning. 

CHORUS. 



And every little wavelet 

had its nightcap on, 

Its nightcap, white cap, 
nightcap on, 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 85 

And every little wavelet 

had its nightcap on 
So very, very early in the morning. 

In their cave so cool and deep 

All the fishes were asleep 
Save when the ripple gave them warning. 

Said the minnow to the skate, 

** Do not lie abed so late," 
So very, very early in the morning. — Cho. 

Said the sturgeon to the eel, 

" Just imagine how I feel. 
Pray do excuse me for yawning. 

But these folks should let us know 

When a-rowing they would go 
So very, very early in the morning." — Cho. 

The boys might give some sailors' chorus in nautical 
costume. If it is desired to introduce temperance fea- 
tures, have for one of the recitations " Sail on," or Lide 
Merriwether's poem, *' She Sails by the Stars." These 
should be rendered by a good elocutionist, secured by the 
temperance committee. Scriptural and poetical quota- 
tions on the subject of the sea, written on slips of 
paper each glued to a polished shell, may be used, by 
their numbers or other indicating mark, to arrange part- 
ners for refreshments and conversation, and the shells 
may be kept as souvenirs. Clams, oysters, or other 
food from the sea should be served. This social may be 
made an occasion for interesting people in the society's 
work in behalf of sailors, and a collection may be taken 
for that object. l. m. h. 



86 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

A Qiautatiqua Lawn Social* 

(French-Greek Year.) 

" The lawn was illuminated with Chinese lanterns, 
and at one end a large awning was erected, under which 
supper was served. The tables were set in the form of 
a cross, and at each plate, as a souvenir of the occasion, 
was an artistically engraved card bearing the following 
inscription: 'Athena Circle, French-Greek Year, 1896- 
97 ' ; and on the upper left-hand corner the monogram 
* C. L. S. C.,' with a Greek cross below it in raised gilt 
letters embellished with French and Greek colors. About 
9.30 the company repaired to the house, where a short 
literary programme completed the evening. In the 
house the floral decorations were elaborate, every avail- 
able place being heavily banked with ferns and French 
honeysuckles of pink and white. The floral centrepiece 
for the table was composed of maidenhair ferns, white 
French honeysuckles, and beautiful * meteor ' roses. The 
studies of the year were suggested by the French tri- 
color and the Greek flag, which kept company with the 
Stars and Stripes on the wall; and the souvenirs of the 
evening were France and Greece cut out of transparent 
celluloid, a crescent and a star, representing the study 
of the sky, these three tied with white, green, and pink. 
Name cards gave the guests their places at table ; and 
under them were cards with C. L. S. C. grace, which 
was chanted by the circle." — The Chautauquan for 
October, 1897. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 8/ 



A State SociaL 

" The Minnesota Endeavorer suggests a Minnesota 
evening. The lady's-slipper, the State flower, is to form 
a prominent part in the decorations, or, after harvest, 
they will use the grains of Minnesota. Pictures of old 
settlers and prominent men in the State history will 
appear about the room. The programme will consist of 
a sketch of the history of Minnesota, a sketch of its 
resources, industries, and prospects ; readings from Long- 
fellow's * Hiawatha ' ; tableaux representing the State 
seal, the farming industry, and milling, or anything else 
of State interest ; while for refreshments they will have 
something distinctive of the State, such as all-wheat 
bread and butter. A State social thus planned could 
be held by the Endeavorers of any State. The authors 
of the State should be well represented on the pro- 
gramme, as well as the State history, and local inge- 
nuity can be counted on to make an exceedingly pleasant 
as well as profitable evening." — The Golden Rule, 

A Pfoverb SociaL 

"Sliced proverbs " are prepared, each slip of paper 
containing a proverb being cut into three or four pieces. 
These are divided among the guests as they arrive, with 
instructions to find the persons holding the rest of the 
proverb. 

The groups thus formed, holding a complete proverb, 
begin at a given signal to write lists of proverbs from 
memory. At the end of twenty minutes have the lists 
read aloud. To the group having the longest list is 



88 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

given a home-made calendar consisting of twelve card- 
board sheets. On each is a pencil drawing appropriate 
to the month ; as, for instance, a bunch of pussy-willow 
blossoms for March, each " pussy " being a tiny cat. 
The rest of the sheet is filled with a collection of the 
proverbs printed in The Christian Endeavor Worlds 
one for each day of the month. The whole calendar 
is tied together with ribbons. The winning group 
decides which of their number should receive the 
calendar. 

While the judges are making their decision in this 
contest, readings relating to proverbs may be given. 
These may be obtained from files of The Christian 
Endeavor Worlds such as the articles, *' Caleb Cobweb 
Reviews Some Proverbs," " Braggin' on Aiggs," *' Tell- 
ing Lies on the Devil." 

Next may come the game of shouting proverbs, 
and the entertainment may be closed with shadow 
pictures illustrating proverbs, and proverb charades.. 
This entertaining social was originated by the Baptist 
Young People's Union of Christian Endeavor of Ap- 
pleton. Wis. 

A Spring Touf. 

Arrange the room to resemble a railroad train, seat 
the " passengers " accordingly, and toward the close 
have a train-boy pass through with basket of refresh- 
ments, consisting of apples, pop-corn, and peanuts. An- 
other may carry the lemonade. As each tourist enters, 
he is supplied with a " ticket," of which the following 
will indicate the nature : — 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 89 

Young People's Society of 
Christian Endeavor, Reformed Church, Port Richmond. 

Spring Tour. 
Good for one passage from 
PORT RICHMOND to ST. AUGUSTINE and return via 
NEW ORLEANS 

and the places described below. 

Please read carefully rules printed on back of 
this ticket, under which the tour is conducted. 

Description of places : — 

1. Uncooked, to tilt the scales. 

2. A festive gathering, part of man's attire, Oliver's 

desire. 

3. Monday's occupation, a weight. 

4. Opposite of belle, a defence. 

5. Part of a head-covering, a relation. 

6. One of the church fathers. 

7. A tumultuous crowd, water all around. 

8. Not old, a royal house of France. 

9. An explosion of mirth, forever, the end of Lafayette. 

10. A royal weight. 

11. A place for loiterers. 

12. An opera encore. 

The above is merely a sample list; others may be 
added, and the different tickets may contain either a 
greater or less number, each ticket including some of 
the same places visited by other "tourists," only in dif- 
ferent order. The places here described are Rahway, 
Baltimore, Washington, Beaufort, Tampa, St. Augustine, 
Mobile, New Orleans, Lafayette, Kingston, Tarrytown, 
Sing Sing. 



go EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

" RULES. 

" Tourists will have thirty minutes for filling in the names 
of places visited. In so doing, passengers are allowed to 
consult with other tourists in their car. Only eighty-four 
trunks allowed each tourist. Society's responsibility for 
trunks limited to $ioo. The managers cannot be held respon- 
sible for alpaca umbrellas left in car by tourists, unless they 
are left in care of the porter, who is a villain and deserves no 
* quarter.* The brakemen have been taking special instruc- 
tion at a school of oratory, but the managers cannot be held 
responsible if they cannot be understood. The conductor 
has promised to put on a clean white tie every morning, but 
the managers cannot enforce this. The engineers are all com- 
petent men, but cannot be held responsible for the tossing of 
strolling cows or wet tracks, and it is urged that all tourists 
take along a plentiful supply of ' sand ' for emergencies." 

Klondike Social, No* 2* 

This would combine well with a short business 
meeting, especially in warm weather. 

With the help of a large map, have an appointed 
" guide," in a paper or talk, conduct the company on 
an imaginary tour to the Klondike, not forgetting to 
mention several remarkable exploits and ludicrous mis- 
haps of individuals present, as the journey proceeds. 
Or , the " Klondike " referred to may represent the 
society's goal of highest success and prosperity, and 
the route described may include the various lines of 
endeavor by which it is to reach this goal. Prepare a 
list of short practical hints for committee work, some 
gathered from The Union Signal^ The Christian En- 
deavor Worlds etc., others original; but let them be 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 9 1 

new ones so far as your society is concerned. If these 
are not used in connection with the map, write them 
separately on bits of paper, which are then twisted up 
and hidden, to ^ be searched for by all present as 
" nuggets." The one finding the most nuggets is de- 
clared king of the Klondike. The suggestions should 
be preserved for full consideration at the next business 
meeting, if time does not permit it at this. 

A paper or talk on gold-mining, a mining-camp story 
or poem, and two or three musical selections, with the 
serving of ices, will complete an enjoyable evening. 

L. M. H. 

The Young Woman's Christian Temperance Unions 
have found this a pleasant and successful method of 
accomplishing what is sometimes a dreaded task, — the 
collection of dues from the members. We take the 
central idea from an explanation kindly given us by 
Mrs. Ella C. Bryant, president of a " Y " at Pittsfield, 
Mass. 

A short programme similar to the following may be 
rendered : — 

1. Music. Piano and violin duet. 

2. Reading. Selected from The Voice or The Union 

Signal. 

3. Recitation. From " Platform Pearls." 

4. Music. Selection from " Y " Song-Book. 

5. Debate. " Resolved, That the Young Woman*s Chris- 

tian Temperance Union is a Disturber of the 
Peace." 

6. ** Treasurer's Delight.^'* This consists of the brief but 

impressive ceremony of receiving dues. 



92 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

Games may follow, such as *' missionary and canni- 
bal," as given in the *' paper social"; "garden of 
Ceres," in the " evening with Ceres " ; or " progressive 
spelling," explained by The Golden Rule as follows : — 

" To play progressive spelling, form a line and let the 
person at the head think of a word, and announce the 
first letter of the word. The person next to him, think- 
ing of a word beginning with the same letter, announces 
the second letter of that word. The third player, think- 
ing of a word beginning with the two letters already 
given, announces the third letter of that word, and $0 it 
goes on until some one, by chance or on compulsion, 
completes the word. In that case he must go to the 
foot of the row, and his neighbor must begin a new 
series. To make this clear, suppose the leader begins 
with C, thinking of < cat.' * H,' adds his neighbor, 
thinking of ' church.' * I,' adds the third player, think- 
ing of ' chisel.' * C,' continues the fourth player, thinking 
of * chicken.' ' A,' says the fifth player, thinking of 
* chicanery.' If the sixth player does not think of this 
word, * chicanery,' or of any other word beginning with 
the five letters already given, he must go to the foot, 
and his neighbor takes his chance. If any one adds a 
letter without having in his mind a word in which the 
letter fits, he may, on being suspected, be challenged by 
some of the players and sent to the foot. In case, how- 
ever, the challenge is based on a false suspicion, and 
the letter is found to fit into some word, then the 
challenger goes to the foot. 

" An interesting variety of this game is to arrange 
the players in two rows facing each other, the spelling 
proceeding back and forth. In this case the player 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 93 

who would, in the first form of the game, go to the foot, 
passes to the other side, and the game proceeds until 
one side is entirely depleted." 

Serve light refreshments, and close the evening with 
another selection from the " Y " song-book. 

A Rose Social* 

Let this be held in June, and be made an occasion 
for giving pleasure to some who do not often have the 
enjoyment of either socials or flowers. Missionary and 
temperance features may be easily introduced in the 
exercises. Roses in profusion form the decorations, 
and the programme should consist of songs, recitations, 
readings, etc., all suggestive of the flower. In Miss 
Alcott's books may be found several selections charming 
for such an occasion. " Little Button Rose," already 
mentioned in connection with the button social; ex- 
tracts from " Eight Cousins," " Rose in Bloom," or 
"The Rose Family" in " Morning-Glories," — any of 
these would be pleasing to most tastes. 

Or, instead of the readings, have six or eight mem- 
bers of the society, representing as many different 
varieties of the rose, each give an original account of 
the garden in which that rose was supposed to grow, 
with some imaginary incidents forming a short story. 
The Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union in 
particular will recognize the temperance possibilities 
in this series of anecdotes. Let the audience decide 
by vote on the best description or story thus given, the 
winner to receive some dainty trifle shaped like a rose, 
or suggestive of roses in art or literature. 



94 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

" Conversational rose-leaves " may then be intro- 
duced. Topics are prepared on sheets of note-paper, 
as for the Washington's Birthday social, only decorated 
with roses instead of flags, the exercises being con- 
ducted in the same way; or another method which 
might be substituted is to pass to each guest, a few 
minutes before serving the refreshments, a pale pink, 
white, or yellow paper napkin, twisted into the resem- 
blance of a rose, and containing in its depths a slip of 
paper on which is written a witt}^ or wise saying. Have 
these prepared four alike, or four by each author thus 
quoted, giving the author's name. The holders of these 
related quotations get together, and discuss the subject 
or the author. Fifteen minutes are given to this part of 
the evening, during which time cake anc] ice-cream are 
served. A rose is given to each guest when departing; 
and the remaining unwilted roses may be placed in 
water or packed in damp cotton to be sent early the 
next day to some hospital or charitable institution. 

L. M. H. 

An Evening in Holland* 

" The Lowell Club of Boone, lo., celebrated its first 
meeting in a unique and fitting manner at the home of 
one of the members. In accordance with their study of 
Holland, the hostess transformed her house into a veri- 
table Dutch dwelling; the walls were festooned with 
red peppers, corn, dried apples, etc., while the spinning- 
wheel, old-fashioned chairs, and blue-bordered china 
plates ranged in rows on the shelves fitted in very appro- 
priately; none but Dutch dishes were served at the 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 95 

supper, after which the hostess presented each guest 
with a delft cup and saucer. The Dutch costumes 
worn by the ladies wxre much admired." — The ChaiitaM- 
quan for January, 1897. 

A Missionafy SociaL 

This combines two suggestions from The Golden 
Rule, 

Place tables about the room, containing prettily ar- 
ranged representations of the various countries in which 
your denomination has missions. For example, one 
table may bear a china tea-set, standing for China; 
another, various articles of India-rubber, and a bottle of 
India ink ; and another, cards bearing the following six 
mysterious signs : — 

1000 E 10 i 100 o 

This represents " Mexico." Each visitor must be 
provided with a pencil and paper, and write the names 
as fast as he guesses them. Follow this with a <' mission- 
ary salad," as tried by the First Congregational Chris- 
tian Endeavor Society at Albany. Prepare the leaves 
of green tissue-paper crumpled to resemble lettuce, 
fastening a long stem of common white paper to each 
leaf. These stems contain printed items clipped from 
The Golden Rule and other papers, interesting mission- 
ary information from all parts of the world. During 
the singing of the first hymn this salad is passed around, 
and every one is expected to take a leaf, and afterward to 
read its contents. Cake and chocolate may be served, 
and the evening closed with music, 



96 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

A Boston-Suburb Social of a Longfellow Evenings 

The social committee of the Deems Memorial Society 
of Christian Endeavor recently prepared a programme 
for a " Longfellow evening " with a few novel features. 
The social was announced as a " Boston-suburb social." 
This name was given because of the fact that Longfel- 
low's home was at Cambridge. 

Cards were prepared on which were pasted quotations 
from Longfellow's writings, the selections being cut 
from a " Longfellow Birthday Book." The advantage 
in using the " Birthday Book " in preference to a book 
of Longfellow's poems is that the name of the poem 
from which each quotation is taken is given in each case. 

After these quotations were pasted on, the cards.were 
cut from top to bottom and then mixed. These half- 
cards were then distributed among the guests. 

The cards had been so prepared that, when they 
were cut in two, each half of a card contained a printed 
statement at the top, indicating the nature of the en- 
tertainment, and a statement to the effect that the holder 
of the other half of the quotation was in the room, the 
idea being to have the holders of the different parts of 
the same quotation find each other, and in this way 
make the affair one of sociability. 

On the reverse side of the cards were twenty lines 
numbered from one to twenty inclusive. After all of 
the cards had been matched, twenty selections from 
Longfellow's poems were read, and the guests present 
were asked to write on their respective cards the names 
of the poems from which the particular selections read 
had been taken. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 9/ 

After the twenty selections had been read, the names 
of the poems from which they were taken were an- 
nounced, and suitable rewards given to the gentleman and 
the lady having the greatest num.ber of correct answers. 
To the lady was given a copy of Longfellow's poems and 
to the gentleman " Scottish Chiefs," by Jane Porter. 

A programme had also been arranged consisting of a 
paper giving a sketch of the life of the poet. Two or 
three of Longfellow's poems were also recited, and the 
music consisted of singing, two selections from Longfel- 
low being rendered, " The Bridge " and " Excelsior." 

The following will illustrate the manner in which the 
cards were prepared. It will be noted that the printing 
at the top reads in two ways, first as a whole, and 
then each half as a complete statement by itself. 

AN EVENING WITH LONGFELLOW 

ON FRIDAY, NIGHT OF JUNE 10, 1898, 

WITH THE 
DEEMS MEMORIAL 

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR IMMANUEL CHURCH, 
SOCIETY OF 

PROHIBITION PARK, WESTERLEIGH, S. I. 



To complete the quotation You will be able in this room to 
discover the holder of the other half. Match your card and read the 

lines. 



Time has laid his hand 
Upon my heart, gently, not smiting it, 
But as a harper lays his open palm 
Upon his harp, to deaden its vibrations. 

— The Golden Legend, 



Please Keep This. Please Keep This. 



98 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 



A Belated Picnic* 

(Held by the Y. W. C. T. U.) 

" Our little Watertown Y had long been discussing 
the best method of interesting the young people in our 
circle of endeavor. Miss Caswell would be glad to 
present to them the what, the how, and the why, if they 
could only be brought together. < A belated picnic ' 
was selected as a unique and attractive entertainment, 
and such it proved to be. 

" Some two weeks previous to the evening of the 
social, brown-paper invitations were distributed as widely 
as possible. The first page bore the address ; the second, 
' Summer Attire,' and on the girls', < Luncheon for Two ' ,• 
while on the third page was written the invitation. 

"Just outside the door of the Baptist vestry was a 
large sign reading, 'Picnic Grounds — 8 to lo.' The 
lunch-baskets were numbered, and so were the young 
men; hence, when a girl came to claim her basket at 
luncheon-time, she also found a young man. 

" Little placards and signs were posted about the 
room, directing one to the * Bowling Alley,' a diminutive 
set of ninepins ; to the * Shooting Gallery,' where a 
rubber-tipped arrow did duty ; to the ' Croquet Grounds ' 
consisting of a parlor set of croquet ; and to the '■ Picture 
Gallery.' A tent had been erected in one corner, where 
a sibyl told the fortunes of the many who longed for a 
glance into the future. Evergreen boughs and trees, 
and a well of lemonade, made of a wash-tub, and ever- 
green trimmings, gave quite a picnic-like appearance to 
the place. A large white Y hung just back of Miss 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 99 

Caswell as in a few earnest words she presented the 
work of the Y. 

" One by one the lights went out, and, as night drew 
on, the picniclcers departed for home, declaring the Y 
social a great success. And such we considered it as 
we read the list of names to be taken into our Union at 
its next meeting." A Watertown Y, 

A Spinning Social* 

Open the evening with music, preferably a " spinning- 
song " piano selection. A poem, such as Miss Wray's 
" Three Fates," may be read, also one of Miss Alcott's 
" Spinning-Wheel Stories." The parlor or library should 
contain a spinning-wheel, with all the accessories. Try 
to enlist an obliging grandma to show exactly how it 
was used in her childhood. If this is out of the ques- 
tion, have the best possible imitation by some bright 
young lady or small girl in costume. All present may 
try their skill on the busy wheel, the most successful 
receiving a reward, which may be a miniature spinning- 
wheel, a copy of Miss Alcott's book above mentioned, 
or some pretty article of silk or china, decorated with 
a hand-painted spinning-wheel. 

An essay or talk on '' Spiders as Architects " may be 
given. A succession of " yarns " may be spun, in which 
the one relating the most improbable story is honored 
with the title of " fibmaster-general." Skeins of yarn 
may be used to arrange partners for refreshments, one 
end being tied to a lady's sleeve, the other being given, 
by a circuitous route, to a gentleman, who must wind 
his way to the goal. 



100 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

Close the evening with simple refreshments and music. 
Each guest might carry home as a memento a piece of 
the yarn, wound on a small, appropriately decorated card, 
or on a spool with the date on one end and a spinning- 
wheel on the other. l. m. h, 

A Hidden Mttsicale* 

Each guest is furnished with a copy, typewritten if 
convenient, of a list of sentences, each containing the con- 
cealed name of some musical composer. The Voice pub- 
lishes the following list, which we give as suggestive : — 

♦ I . My thum^ acM^ where I crushed it. 
2. O sweet music ^ver divint ! 

t 3. The sting of the bee, tho -z/^/^omous, is never fatal. 

, 4. At parting he extended a hand ^/egantly gloved. 

u 5. They weigh with such weights as drach/^, oz., 
— ^r/icles used by druggists. 

^ 6. The fright has made his head wag ;^^rvously. 

7. It seems to me that ea^^ opinion is worthy con- 
sideration. 

8. The cowboy tried to \2iS>so us around the neck. 

9. He is fickle. He adopts ai* chum a ;/ew person 
every week. 

10. I could not sell the hal/" lot, owvag to the mort- 
gage on it. 

11. Do what you will, I can no longer. 

» 12. This is no rose. Go, tmodoroMs weed! 

13. An old negro who cutj her wood, carries coal, 
and does gardening. 

14. The sons of Jonadab, the son of Rech^^, /00k no 
wine. 

15. I faint ! I gdiSp I Oh, raise me up ! 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. lOI 

A reward may be given to the one discovering the 
greatest -number of these hidden musicians, and a booby 
prize to the one^finding the fewest. 

In the game of ''dumb musicians," it is the sound of 
the music that is " hidden." It is played as follows : — 

" The company seat themselves in a semicircle. Each 
one goes through the movements of playing the instru- 
ment to which he is assigned by the conductor. The 
fiddler bows with vigor over an imaginary violin, the 
clarinet-player lengthens his face and frisks his fingers 
on an imaginary instrument, the cornet-player must sacri- 
fice vanity, and puff out his cheeks to the utmost extent, 
and the others imitate as best they may the remainder of 
the instruments chosen. The conductor seats himself on 
a chair facing his dumb orchestra. When all is ready, 
the conductor gives a signal and the musicians begin 
their gesticulations. The conductor himself pretends to 
play the instrument which he has chosen for himself. 
Suddenly, without any warning, the conductor abandons 
his own instrument and begins playing that of some one 
of the other players. The player whose instrument is 
thus taken from him must forthwith begin to play upon 
that one which the conductor abandoned. If he fails to 
observe the change, and continues to play his original 
instrument, he must pay a forfeit." 

Have ready cards on which are written the names of 
well-known pieces of music, one on each card. Cut each 
in three pieces, and have the holders of the related frag- 
ments get together. Serve light refreshments, and close 
with a short programme of vocal and instrumental music, 
proceeding from the concealed side of a large screen. 

L. M. H. 



I02 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 
A Qbautauqua Evening* 

(German-Roman Year.) 

This was taken from a description in The Chautati- 
quan of a social and literary evening given by Primrose 
Circle, Dundas, Ontario. 

The house was ablaze with light, different colors softly 
diffused by the different colored lamp-shades. About 
8.15 the president took the chair, and by the time an 
instrumental duet was played the audience had settled 
themselves down for the intellectual treat expected. 

They were not disappointed. The answers to roll-call 
were given from any German or Roman author, and 
were exceptionally fine, some of the authors so quoted 
being Luther, Goethe, Schiller, Ovid, and Horace. The 
president's address followed, after which two papers 
were rendered, dealing entirely with German topics ; 
one on " German Women," the other on " Frederick the 
Great," giving snap-shots of that celebrated personage 
at different periods of his life, with historic scenes form- 
ing the background. A recitation, " Robert of Sicily," 
an address by the vice-president, two songs, and a piano 
solo, completed the programme. A " circulating library '' 
of thirteen books, including the grave, the gay, the sub- 
lime, and the ridiculous, was depicted by as many mem- 
bers in appropriate costume, the company guessing their 
titles, and writing their guesses on cards, a reward being 
given to the most successful. Slips of paper were 
distributed marked with counties and county towns of 
Ontario. This meant that the county was to look after 
the interests of its county town during the light repast 
served. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. I03 

A Flower SociaL 

Begin with a piano solo, something like " The Wak- 
ing of the Spring Flowers," and a vocal solo or duet 
also with a floral title. A bright, appropriate magazine 
story may be read in addition. Then furnish each one 
present with a card containing a number and a letter. 
Persons whose cards bear the same number get together, 
and by combining the various letters in the right order 
find that they spell the name of a flower. Each group 
is then required to compose, by their joint efforts, a 
poem upon their flower. A reward, such as a fine bou- 
quet, may be awarded to the group producing the best 
poem; and a souvenir of a bunch of violets or other 
flowers tied with the society's colors may be presented 
to each one present. This social is given nearly as 
devised by the Lutheran Christian Endeavor Society 
of Martinsburg, W. Va. 

A "Willafd Evening* 
Decorations: White cheese-cloth, festooned with 
ferns or smilax, white ribbon, or white crinkled tissue- 
paper in strips to represent ribbon ; potted plants, with 
pots covered with white tissue-paper ; and a large picture 
of Miss Frances E. Willard on an easel decorated with 
flowers and smilax. 

Roll-call of members. Each responding with quotation 

from Miss Willard's writings. 
Singing. *' How firm a foundation ! " 
Sketch of Miss Willard. As a Friend. As an Educator. 

As a Reformer. 
Singing, ** The Old Oaken Bucket." 



I04 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

Address. The World's and National Woman's Christian 
Temperance Union. — Her memorial more lasting 
than wood and stone. A memorial of temperance, 
purity, and equality. 

Singing. "It's Coming Some Glad Day." (In "White 
Ribbon Hymnal.") All clasp hands. 

Refreshments : Cocoa and wafers tied with narrow 
white ribbon. E. A. B. 

"Wheel SociaL 

Wheel-shaped cards of invitation may bear the 
monogram of the society for the hub. Fasten a large 
paper wheel to the wall at one side of the room, the 
spokes each containing a written question with a num- 
ber. Cards of the same shape are passed, with spokes 
left blank, but numbered to correspond with the question 
numbers on the large wheel. A contest in answering 
the questions without consultation follows, each one 
adding his name to his card of answers. When the 
time is up, collect or exchange the cards, and compare 
the answers given with the correct ones. 

A miniature bicycle may be given to the winner, while 
a booby prize of a small oil-can will serve to oil the rusty 
wheels of the unfortunate memory. 

As the guests have been requested to come on their 
bicycles if convenient, a fifteen or twenty minutes' 
" bicycle conversation " may be held, changing part- 
ners two or three times, with the help of sliced sen- 
tences beginning with the letters contained in the word 
" bicycle." This gives an opportunity to discuss and 
compare handle-bars, bells, bearings, pedals, gears, etc., 
as well as various bicycle adventures. To this might 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. IO5 

be added a musical selection or two, — a chime of bicy- 
cle bells would be desirable, — and a paper or talk on 
the latest bicycle improvements, with perhaps one appro- 
priate story or poem. If the social is held during April, 
the following poem might be recited : — 

APRIL'S MISHAP. 

Bonnie April, cease your pouting, 

I entreat. 
Cease this wavering and doubting, 

And be sweet. 
Why indulge in frowns and tears 
As in foolish, bygone years ? 
Till your sunny presence cheers, 
April, you are incomplete ; 

Very incomplete. 

Drooping April, look above you, 

I insist. 
For of course you know we love you, 

Sunshine-kissed. 
But — ah ! now the tears have fled ; 
Lifted is the winsome head. 
First we scold, then praise instead. 
April, you'd be sadly missed, 

Very sadly missed. 

What is this, O saucy maiden ? 

I declare 1 
Winter's treasury, snow-laden. 

Scarce can spare 
All these feathery flakes you borrow. 
What new mischief on the morrow 
Have you for our joy or sorrow ? 
April, tell us if you dare ! 

Yes^ 't is plain you dare. 



I06 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

APRIL'S REPLY. 

Now, against this dire complaining 

I protest. 
True, the sunshine's mixed with raining, 

Tears with jest ; 
But IVe cause for agitation. 
Listen to my explanation. 
I could not resist temptation, 

As you surely must have guessed, 

Had I not confessed. 

Others on their wheels were spinning ; 

Why not I .? 
So I mounted and, beginning. 

Thought I'd try. 
March and May on either side. 
Laden well, when — woe betide I 
Chanced we roughly to collide ; 

And I could but laugh and cry. 

Nor repress a sigh. 

Punctured tires and wheels half shattered, — 

And bet^\ixt, 
There our weather-parcels, scattered, 

Lay transfixed 1 
Think you 't is a cause for wonder 
If the sunshine, snow, and thunder. 
By this most unusual blunder, 

Should get just a trifle mixed ? 

Very slightly mixed ? 

At the close of the programme, or preceding it, serve 
refreshments of cakes cut in wheel shape, and lemonade. 

L. M, u. 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. lO/ 

An Evening with Schillen 

In an evening given by the Chautauqua Literary and 
Scientific Circk of Troy, Ala., and described in The 
Chautauquan^ "the guests on entering the hall were 
reminded of the land of the poet's nativity by the 
German colors, red, white, yellow, and black, artisti- 
cally entwined in the grill-work overhead. This color- 
scheme was carried out in the decorations of the parlors 
and dining-room, in bunting, ribbons, flowers, and china 
decorations." 

Quotations from Schiller were given by the circle, 
and appropriate poems and papers were read. The 
programmes are described as being " veritable works of 
art, the covers being hand-painted with the design, corn- 
flower, — Germany's national flower. These will be 
kept, cherished souvenirs of the occasion." The game 
of " characteristics " followed. Then the supper, where 
the dainties served and the floral decorations were alike 
pleasing ; and after the supper coffee was served by a 
beautiful " Gretchen." 

A Trio Socials 

Have a reception committee of three, and it would 
be well for each to wear a costume of one distinctive 
hue, taking care that the three colors chosen are har- 
monious. Place chairs in groups of three, and have a 
trio of three -minute conversations. This may be ar- 
ranged by passing triangular cards, along each edge of 
which is written a topic of current or general interest, 
and in each corner a number. The holder of the card 



I08 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS^ 

is to notice the number at the left of the written topic 
announced by the leader to be the subject of the first 
conversation. Two other persons have the same num- 
ber, and the three get together and converse on the 
topic. At the end of the three minutes the next topic is 
taken in the same way, then the third, changing groups 
by the card numbers, so as to bring a different trio 
together each time. 

A brief programme may be rendered consisting of 
three readings or recitations, alternating with three 
musical selections, vocal or instrumental, one of which 
may be itself a trio. The latter part of the evening may 
be chiefly occupied with games. These should be three 
in number, and may include one written game, such 
as " telegrams " or " book-reviewing " ; one guessing or 
memory contest; and one test of skill in throwing or 
aiming at a mark. 

Near the close of the evening a march may be played, 
and the company, arranged in threes by means of sliced 
words or dissected pictures, may march, three abreast, 
thrice around the parlors and into the room where 
refreshments are served. These, another trio, may 
consist of fruit, cake, and lemonade. The cake should 
be in three layers, and the fruit might be of three kinds 
mixed. Sliced bananas, oranges cut in small pieces, 
and strawberries combine well, served with sugar, in 
small dishes. The refreshments may be passed by 
three waitresses dressed in Japanese costume, to repre- 
sent the *' three little maids from school " of Mikado 
fame. A good selection for one of the recitations of 
the evening would be Will Carleton's " Worried About 
Katherine." The Young Woman's Christian Temper- 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. IO9 

ance Union especially will appreciate its bright debate 
on higher education for girls ; and it may be given by 
three girls dressed appropriately, or the whole may be 
recited by a good elocutionist. The selection is to 
be found in " Platform Pearls." 

If desired, a tableau might be added, of three ragged, 
mischievous-looking urchins, announced as " The Three 
Disgraces." l. m. h. 

A Poppy Social ; of, An Evening with Jack o^ Dreams. 

Light should proceed entirely from candles, and the 
decorations should be subdued in color, except for a 
vase or two of brilliant poppies. Music is in order 
while the guests are assembling. "Jack o' Dream.s," 
dressed in fanciful costume, including a bright-colored 
cap, acts as master of ceremonies, making a brief 
speech alluding to the connection between poppies and 
dreams, and announcing the various exercises. The 
reading of a dream story or poem comes first, followed 
by a piano selection which might be a " Cradle Song." 
Recitation, '^ The Poor Poet's Lullaby," from The Gol- 
den Rule, is next. If the " Little Wavelets " motion 
song, suggested for the marine social, has not been 
given in your community, introduce it here ; or, if it 
has been, it will bear repetition and will be heartily 
welcomed. 

The game of " rigmarole," applied to dreams, can be 
played as follows : Let the first player begin by telling 
one of his dreams or a portion of one. Stopping short, 
as dreams usually do, it is taken up by his neighbor, 
who proceeds to relate more dreamland adventures, in 



1 1 EIGHTY PLEASANT E VENINGS. 

turn passing it to the next, etc. The dreams should 
have at least a thread of connection. Or the well-known 
guessing game, " What is my thought like ? " can be 
used in slightly altered form., substituting " dream " for 
^' thought." 

A paper on <' My Dream of the Future " can foretell 
the wonderful future achievements of the society. Re- 
freshments of thin slices of bread and butter, chocolate 
or lemonade, and cold sliced meat, garnished with let- 
tuce leaves, may be served by several young ladies 
dressed respectively in pink, blue, cream, violet, etc., 
each costume being a "dream " of color effect, the one 
hue from head to foot. Close with a " slum.ber song " 
sung in duet or trio. l. m. h. 

An Evening of Short Cuts^ 

Invitations may be in the shortened spelling used 
by the American Philological Society, and the exercises 
may include a debate on the advantages and disadvan- 
tages of spelling reform. A stereopticon talk may take 
the guests, by a " short cut," to California, Europe, the 
Philippines, Cuba, the last national Convention, or wher- 
ever determined; a dozen views being sufficient, with 
brief explanations. 

The musical selections may include a medley; and a 
portion of them should be '' cut short," stopping sud- 
denly when about three-quarters through. Conversation 
is started in small groups by some simple device, but is 
cut short by the introduction of the game " follow my 
leader." Everything the leader says or does must be 
imitated exactly by the entire company, the fun consist- 
ing of the rapid changes and sudden stops which the 



EIGHTY PLEASANT E VENINGS. 1 1 1 

leader introduces, and which some of the company will 
be slow to follow. It is curious to note how much easier 
it is to begin many things than to stop, even at a given 
signal. The laggards should be required, as a penalty, 
to invent and explain an entirely new " short cut to fame 
and fortune." Let them consult together and announce 
the result of their deliberations. 

The game of "rigmarole" may follow. Some one 
begins to tell a most thrilling adventure, and stops short 
at the most exciting point, leaving his neighbor to take 
up the thread of the narrative. 

This may be cut short by the appearance of refresh- 
ments, which consist appropriately of the tiniest cups of 
coffee, and sandwiches cut an inch and a quarter square. 
The cups and plates may be replenished, however. The 
paper napkins may have one corner cut off, and near 
the edge thus made a motto or quotation may be printed, 
or simply the date, the name of the society, and the 
words, " Evening of Short Cuts." Those who desire 
may retain these as souvenirs. l. m. h. 

An Arctic Exploring Toun 

One room is arranged to resemble the deck or cabin 
of a ship. Another room adjoining, or across the hall, 
may be decorated with cotton snow-banks, paper icicles, 
one or more of the miniature " snowstorm " paper- 
weights to be found in any department store ; and in 
the centre of the room have the north pole, suitably 
labelled, covered with silver paper, for ice, and decked 
with snow. 

Guests should first be ushered into the steamer or 



112 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

ship, where they listen to a programme such as this : 
A magazine article on the subject of Lieutenant Peary's 
travels ; a reading, descriptive of glaciers, from Profes- 
sor Winchell's " Walks and Talks in the Geological 
Field " ; and the " iceberg " portion of George Mac- 
donald's " At the Back of the North Wind." A 
description of the Montreal ice palace might be added. 

Have a conversational game, conducted as in the 
Washington's Birthday social, on such topics as 
" Skating," " Tobogganing," " Is the north pole made 
of wood, aluminum, or green cheese ? " " Which wouM 
you rather be, an Eskimo or an Aztec, and why ? " 
** Civilization as affected by the question, « Who should 
build the fire in the morning ? ' " etc. 

Pass to each guest a snowball made of cotton, contain- 
ing a slip of paper on which is written a line of winter 
poetry. The one who holds a line rhyming with it must 
be found, thus arranging partners for refreshments, 
which are served in the arctic region around the north 
pole. It may add to the interest, if to each snowball is 
attached a string, the other end of which is fastened to 
the north pole. In the " exploring tour " necessary to 
find partners the strings will become somewhat interlaced, 
but this adds to the delightful intricacies of the situa- 
tion. Close the evening with music, and let the guests 
retain their conversation cards as souvenirs. 

L. M. H. 

Longfellow^s Dream* 

Although this entertainment may be called literary 
and artistic rather than social, yet it suggests conversa- 
tion ; and where it was given, it was so marked a sue- 



EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. II3 

cess that it was not only repeated by request, but was 
borrowed for a third occasion by another society in the 
same town. 

Select thirty or forty of Longfellow's characters most 
easily represented in costume and most graphically 
described in his poems. Arrange a platform and curtains 
for tableaux vivants, and enlist a good reader, also some 
one who understands artistic grouping. 

When the curtain is first drawn aside, it displays a 
young man representing Longfellow in his youth, seated 
in an armchair, in a reflective attitude, one hand sup- 
porting his head, and apparently lost in day-dreams. 
The reader then proceeds with the selected passages, 
while the characters described pass slowly across the 
platform between Longfellow and the audience. A 
slight pause between the readings may be introduced ; 
but they should be nearly continuous, merely allowing 
each character to make the required journey before 
beginning to describe the next. 

When all have passed, the curtain is drawn, and 
music fills the interval while the characters are being 
grouped for the final tableau. This, when well arranged, 
is very striking and beautiful. It represents Longfellow 
as an old man, seated in the same armchair, with the 
creations of his fancy grouped about him and the Spirit 
of Poetry in the act of crowning him with a wreath of 
laurels. The children are nearest the poet, playing 
almost at his feet, while the others are standing, grouped 
as their various heights and costumes require for the 
best effect. The platform must of course be a large 
one. Gauze stretched across the front, and a red light 
burned during the tableau, add to its beauty and effect ; 



114 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS, 

also the singing, in chorus or as a solo, from behind the 
scenes, of a verse lauding the poet and speeding the 
Spirit of Poetry in her mission. Softly played instru- 
mental music may be substituted. 

A few of the many characters for representation are 
Priscilla, John Alden, Miles Standish, Basil the black- 
smith, Evangeline, Brother Anthony and Brother Timo- 
thy, Mistress Stavers in her " furbelows," the Preceptor, 
Almira, the " Princess of the Fairy Isles," the parson 
who "lopped the wayside lilies with his cane," the 
Spanish Jew, the Student, Hiawatha, and Minnehaha. 

An Evening with the Trees^ 

As the guests arrive, each one is furnished with a 
pressed leaf, which is pinned on as a buttonhole bouquet. 
If the season does not permit fresh leaves, drawings of 
the various kinds of forest leaves might be substituted. 
No one is to tell what kind of leaf he possesses, but 
each is to write down a list of the different varieties he 
observes decorating his neighbors. When these lists 
are completed and collected, pin a slip of paper contain- 
ing the name of some tree to the back of each person 
present. In his effort to discover what tre^* he repre- 
sents each may ask his friends any question concerning 
it answerable by " Yes " or " No." 

Following this may be a contest of verse-writing. 
Allow a set time, fifteen minutes, perhaps, for each 
person to write an original poem, taking for his subject 
the tree which he represents. Judges are then appointed 
to select the best poem. While they are inspecting and 
deciding, the company may play the game of ** trans- 



EIGHTY PLEASANT E VENINGS, 1 1 5 

planting trees," by arranging letters given in miscella- 
neous order, into their correct sequence to form names 
of trees ; for instance, written upon the blackboard are 
the letters y-o-k-r-i-c-h, which are readily recognized 
when arranged as " hickory." 

Rewards may be provided for the best poem, for the 
lists most nearly completed, also for the one who first 
discovers the name of the tree pinned upon his back. 
Appropriate rewards would be some book or poem on 
nature, a choice specimen of fruit, or some pretty or 
odd trifle made of a particular kind of wood. 

Refreshments may consist wholly of fruit and nuts. 
For the description of this social, we are indebted to 
Miss Nellie E. Wanzer. 



An Evening with The Christian Endeavor WorlcL 

This is based. on the description, furnished by Eva 
A. Denton, of " An Evening with The Golden Ruhy 

The rooms are arranged to represent the different 
departments of The Christian Endeavor World. One 
corner, the advertising page, is draped in muslin and 
covered with bright, selected advertisements cut from 
the files of that paper. 

In the " Workers' Exchange " department or room, a 
committee conference is held, each officer receiving 
clippings on the work of his committee, and retiring 
with the clippings and the committee to a different 
room, where he discusses plans and decides which ones 
to try. Then a meeting of all the committees is held, 
where the approved plans are presented and noted down 
by the secretary. 



Il6 EIGHTY PLEASANT EVENINGS. 

For the "Wide World of Endeavor" take the best 
news items from the same file, and paste them on a 
specially prepared map of the world, over the country 
reported. This map, in the instance described, was as 
large as the side of the room, and had little candles to 
represent Christian Endeavor societies. 

For the Junior and prayer-meeting pages, hold brief 
prayer-meetings on the topic for the week, following as 
minutely as time will permit the '* Suggestions for 
Leaders." 

Two or three short readings or recitations may be 
given from " The Treasure Chamber," or " Endeavorers 
in Council." 

The " Telephone Exchange " is a bright feature of 
the proceedings. The keyhole of the door is used as the 
speaking-tube, to which one applies one's mouth and 
asks a question relative to Christian Endeavor work, 
and receives an answer from the president, who may 
consult his book as occasion requires. 

For " Strictly Business " the secretary sits at a desk 
with a careworn expression upon his face, a pen stuck 
over each ear, and his ink-stained fingers holding another 
pen, with which he is writing. Add a brimming waste- 
basket, a pile of letters, answered and unanswered, and 
decorate the walls, desk, and chair with his past medita- 
tions ; and the representation is complete. 

At the " post-office " each guest applies for and re- 
ceives in an envelope addressed to himself one of Dr. 
Clark's " Familiar Letters," some of the most pointed 
ones being selected. 

During the evening subscriptions may be taken for 
The Christian Endeavor World, and at the close each 



EIGHTY PLEASANT E VENINGS. 1 1 / 

person is presented with a copy of the paper, a Christian 
Endeavor calendar for one month, and a " Golden Rule 
Proverb." The invitations might be sent on cards of a 
circular shape, on which a globe is drawn, bearing the 
C. E. monogram. 



Qassics of the Quiet Hour^ 

Selections for every day in the month. 

EDITED BY 

Francis £• Clark, D» D. 

Handsomely printed and daintily bound. 
Price, 23 cents each, postpaid. 



THE PRESENCE OF GOD. 

Selections from the Devotional Works of 
Bishop Jeremy Taylor. 

LIVING AND LOVING. 

Selections from the Devotional Works of 
Professor A. Tholuck. 

THE GOLDEN ALPHABET. 

Selections from the works of 
Master John Tauler. 

THE KINGDOM WITHIN. 

Selections from " The Imitation of Christ," by 
Thomas a Kempis. 



United Society of Christian Endeavor^ 
Boston and Chicago. 



The Deeper Life Series* 

Handsomely printed and daintily bound. 
Illustrated. 

PricCf 2J cents eack, postpaid. 



WELL-BUILT. 

Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, D. D. 

ANSWERED1 

Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D. D., 
Rev. R. A. Torrey, D.D., Rev. C. 
H. Yatman, Rev. Edgar E. David- 
son, and Thomas E. Murphy. 

THE INDWELLING GOD. 

Rev. Charles A. Dickinson, D. D. 

LITTLE SERMONS FOR ONE. 
Amos R. Wells. 

A FENCE OF TRUST. {Poems,) 
Mrs. Mary F. Butts. 



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SOCIAI. FVENINGS. By Amos R. Wells. This is the most 
widely used collection of games and social entertainments ever 
made. No social committee is at all well equipped without a copy. 
Invaluable also for individual use. 

SOCIAIi TO SAVE. By Amos R. Wklls. A companion volume 
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WEAPONS FOR TEMPERANCE WARFARE. By 

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PRAYER-MEETING METHODS. By Amos R.Wells. This 
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OUR UNIONS. By Amos R. Wells. The only book ever pub- 
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